By, Zakari Haruna Isah
The Hope Builders Festival 2024 has successfully brought together young Nigerians, entrepreneurs, and leaders to equip the next generation with essential skills for success.
The event, organized by Hope Builders International Consult Ltd., aimed to address the challenges faced by graduates in the job market.
This year’s festival, themed *“Employability Skills Everywhere,”* highlights the critical need for skills development in a rapidly evolving job market, focusing on equipping young people with the tools necessary to navigate the future of work.
In his opening speech, the chairman of the occasion, Regional Manager of the Bank of Industry, Dr. Dahiru Bala stressed the importance of employability skills and youth empowerment.
Represented at the event by Barrister Helen Garba, Dr. Dahiru, applauded Hope Builders International Consult Ltd. for their dedication to shaping futures and creating opportunities.
This year’s theme, “Employability Skills Everywhere,” was hailed as revolutionary, highlighting the need for skills to succeed in a rapidly changing world. The Chairman emphasised that Nigeria’s greatest asset is its youth, whose energy, creativity, and resilience can redefine the nation’s future.
However, Dr. Dahiru noted that qualifications alone are insufficient; young people must think outside the box, innovate, and adapt to thrive. Platforms like the Hope Builders Festival are crucial in equipping youth to lead, innovate, and transform their communities.
“The Bank of Industry’s initiatives, such as the Youth Entrepreneurship Support Program (YES-P) and the Graduate Entrepreneurship Fund (GEF), offer financing at low interest rates to empower young entrepreneurs,” he added.
The Regional Manager of the Bank of Industry concluded by encouraging participants to utilise the festival’s insights, ideas, and connections to build a brighter future. With the Bank of Industry’s support, the festival aims to inspire growth, innovation, and unforgettable impact.
Earlier, in a welcome address, the Executive Director of Hope Builders International Consult Ltd., Rev. (Prof.) Mathias B. Yashim said the festival’s mission was to address gaps in employability skills among youth. “Too often, young and ambitious graduates face challenges due to insufficient practical experience, poor communication skills, limited digital literacy, and weak problem-solving abilities,” Yashim noted.
“This festival is our collective effort to ignite potential, provide practical insights, and empower individuals to succeed in a changing world,” he maintained.
The event, hosted in collaboration with partners such as Airtel Nigeria, Jobberman, and the National Blood Service Agency, showcases an impressive lineup of activities, from panel discussions and keynote speeches to awards recognizing outstanding contributions to society.
Prominent speakers, including Innih Ikhide from Jobberman Nigeria and Angonimi David-Imeh, Founder of Hope Raisers Global Foundation, delivered compelling good will messages and their presentations explored pressing topics such as the future of work, entrepreneurship, and innovation in the digital age.
A panel discussion moderated by Jubal Freeman Dabo featured industry leaders such as Francis Duru, OluwaFunmilayo Lawson Agoro, Enoch Nalado and Innih Ikhide. The session focused on “Empowering the Future Workforce: Skill-Building, Entrepreneurship, and Social Innovation in the Digital Age.”Panellists shared insights on navigating emerging trends and fostering a culture of innovation.
A centrepiece of the festival was the graduation ceremony for participants of the Hope Builders Academy, an initiative accredited by the prestigious Roxbourg Institute of Social Entrepreneurship (RISE), Switzerland. Certificates were presented to graduates by esteemed figures, including Ahmed Alaga and Dr. Mary D. Bakut, who have played pivotal roles in mentoring young entrepreneurs.
The festival also honored exceptional individuals through its Fellowship Investiture Program and presented award of excellence in public service to immediate past local government chairmen, commissioners, and legislators who were celebrated for their contributions to governance and community development.
Notable recipients included:
Hon. Engr. Ibrahim Idris former council chairman of Zaria LGA, Hon. Engr. Salasi Nuhu Musa of Chikun LGA and also former chairman of Kagarko LGA, Hon. Nasara Auza Rabo.
Others from the Kaduna State Executive Council were outstanding Commissioners: Hajia Ummah Ahmed (Ministry of Health), Hon. Abubakar Buba (Ministry of Environment), and Hajia Rabi Salisu (Ministry of Human Services).
Among the Legislators that were honored for distinguishing themselves are: Hon. Marah Henry Zachariah, member representing Jaba Constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Hon. Barnabas Haruna (Kauru/Chawai Constituency), and the Chairman committee on Education, Hon. (Barr.) Mahmoud Ismail Lawal from Zaria City Constituency.
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