Agro-Allied Corps Members Empowered with Skills for Jobs and Entrepreneurship at IITA Training

 In a bid to enhance employability and entrepreneurial skills among Nigerian graduates, the Agro-Allied CDS Group, in partnership with Agrihub Nigeria, organized an Employability and Entrepreneurship Training at the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan.

A cross-section of speakers and participants engaged in the training.

This pioneering event, the first of its kind by a CDS group, was themed "Building Employability and Entrepreneurial Skills for Sustainable Jobs."

The lead facilitator, Mr. Tayo Fadare, shared expert insights on creating compelling CVs and navigating the challenges of the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). He noted that many job seekers fail to align their CVs with ATS algorithms, which affects their chances in today’s competitive market. He further emphasized the importance of networking, psychometrics, and building relationships for long-term career success.

Adesanya 'Tomiwa, MBA Project Coordinator at Agrihub Nigeria, highlighted the significance of entrepreneurial skills for young graduates, urging them to consider starting their own businesses. He stated that many young Nigerians shy away from entrepreneurship due to a lack of confidence and knowledge.

In an interactive session, Mr. Waheed Oni, Project Manager of Agrihub Nigeria, discussed the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in the workplace, while Mr. Emmanuel Fadare stressed the need for corps members to engage in continuous learning and career exploration.

During a session on “Building Relationships and Elevation Pitch,” participants were taught how to effectively communicate their skills and qualifications in just a few sentences, helping them stand out in job interviews and networking situations.

In an interview, the President of the Agro-Allied CDS Group, Akinyele Local Government, expressed pride in the successful execution of the training. "Our goal was to address the employability gap among graduates, and this program is a significant step towards that. We are committed to organizing more initiatives that will empower corps members and other young professionals."

Officials from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), including Mrs. Adedeji Abosede, Mr. Ogunro Gbenga, and Mrs. Etim Candy, also attended the event, encouraging participants to make the most of the training to boost their career prospects.

The event concluded with an inspiring vote of thanks by the General Secretary of the CDS Group, Oluwatimilehin Bankole, who commended Agrihub Nigeria, IITA, and all the facilitators for their support in making the program a success.

The Employability and Entrepreneurship Training is a testament to the importance of equipping young Nigerians with the skills they need to thrive in the ever-evolving job market. The event left participants motivated and better prepared to seize future opportunities.