Edo State Launches Integrated Skills Programme to Tackle Youth Unemployment

The Edo State Government has expanded its youth employment and human capital development agenda through an integrated skills development programme designed to align training outcomes with market demand. The initiative targets vocational trades, agribusiness value chains, and digital economy skills, with implementation structured around partnerships with the private sector and accredited training institutions.

The Executive Governor of Edo State, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo described the programme as a deliberate shift from short term employment interventions to long term workforce competitiveness. Speaking at the formal launch of the scheme, the Governor stated that the state was focused on building skills that translate directly into jobs, enterprise creation, and sustainable incomes.

According to the Governor, “Our approach to youth employment is grounded in economic reality. We are not training young people for certificates. We are training them for work, for enterprise, and for relevance in a rapidly changing economy. Skills must match opportunity, otherwise we are only postponing unemployment.”

He explained that the programme was informed by sector level analysis of labor demand, particularly in construction, agriculture, manufacturing support services, and information technology. “We studied where the jobs are, where growth is happening, and where Edo State has competitive advantage. That analysis shaped the design of this programme,” the Governor said.

Chief Richard Lamai, a private sector partner and advocate for skills-based development, emphasized the importance of industry involvement in training design and delivery. He noted that many skills programmes fail because they are disconnected from real workplace requirements.

“In the private sector, productivity is everything. When young people are trained without exposure to actual industry processes, they struggle to transition into employment. What is different here is that industry players are part of the training conversation from the start,” Lamai stated.

He added that the programme places strong emphasis on practical competence, work ethics, and adaptability. “Technical ability alone is not enough. Employers are looking for discipline, problem solving, and the ability to learn continuously. This initiative recognizes that skills development must be holistic,” he said.

Governor Okpebholo further highlighted the role of digital skills in expanding employment opportunities beyond the local economy. “Technology has removed geographical barriers. A young person in Edo can provide services to companies anywhere in the world if they have the right skills and exposure. That is why digital training is a core pillar of this programme,” he explained.

The Governor also linked the initiative to social stability and inclusive growth. “When young people are productively engaged, communities are safer and economies are stronger. This programme is an investment in social cohesion as much as it is an economic strategy,” he said.

Chief Lamai underscored the need for continuity and quality assurance. “Skills development is not a one-off event. It requires standards, assessment, and continuous improvement. The success of this programme will depend on how well outcomes are measured and how quickly adjustments are made based on industry feedback,” he noted.

Stakeholders involved in the programme revealed that participants will receive a combination of classroom instruction, hands on training, and workplace exposure. Certification and post training placement support are also expected to form part of the delivery framework.

Labour market analysts have observed that Edo State approach reflects a growing emphasis on skills as the foundation of economic development at the subnational level. They note that effective execution, employer engagement, and sustained funding will be critical to translating training into employment outcomes.

As implementation progresses, the state government has reiterated its commitment to monitoring results and scaling successful components. Governor Okpebholo concluded by stating that “our goal is simple. We want Edo youth to be competitive, confident, and capable of building livelihoods that endure. That is the measure of success for this programme.”