The King of England, King Charles III, has set up an initiative to tackle unemployment, bridge skills gap, and enhance employability of Nigerian youths.

This was made known in a statement issued by the Prince’s Trust International on Thursday, July 6, 2023.

Prince’s Trust International noted that 70 per cent of the Nigerian population is under 30 with youth unemployment currently sitting at 33 per cent.

In a message read out during the launch, King Charles III, who was represented by the Director of Community Engagement (U.K, Commonwealth and International) to the King and Queen, Eva Omaghomi L.V.O., said: “I am enormously inspired by the determination and commitment of young people, some of whom you will hear from later. They are changemakers; they will shape the world’s future and we must support them to realise their dreams.

“Looking ahead, I very much hope the important work of Prince’s Trust International and our partners can grow and help many more young people in Nigeria to build brighter futures.”

On his part, Prince’s Trust International CEO, Will Straw, said the organisation had earlier launched one of its programmes, Get Hired, at NECA House in partnership with Field of Skills and Dreams.

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Straw said about 100 youths were interviewed by potential employers after learning interview skills through Prince’s Trust International programmes.

Also speaking, Prince’s Trust International Trustee, Arunma Oteh, said: “Africa has the largest youth population in the world. There is a vast gulf between the number of jobseekers and the number of jobs, and between the skills young people have, and the skills they need. With this in mind, I am delighted that we are officially launching programmes here in Nigeria.

“60 per cent of Nigeria’s youth are under 25. Our programmes unleash the potential of Nigeria’s youth, its greatest asset.”

While speaking at the reception hosted by Prince’s Trust International in partnership with the British Deputy High Commission and Anap Foundation, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Ben Llewellyn-Jones, said: “The UK and Nigeria are achieving a huge amount together, supporting young people to be employment ready, and helping businesses to attract the investment to create the jobs they need.

“With millions of young Nigerians entering the labour market every year, there are simply not enough jobs for them. Organisations like Prince’s Trust International and their local partners, Field of Skills and Dreams and Junior Achievement Nigeria, have an important role to play in supporting young people through education, employment, and enterprise programmes to build their own futures.”

The Star