9ja Youth Drive 2025 aims to train 6,000 Nigerian youths in digital and vocational skills by year-end to boost sustainable livelihoods and job market readiness

9ja Youth Drive 2025, an ambitious skills empowerment programme, is set to train over 6,000 Nigerian youths in digital and vocational fields before the end of the year, with a focus on creating sustainable livelihoods and closing the country’s skills gap.

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The initiative is spearheaded by the OVL Foundation, in collaboration with several partner organisations, and targets young Nigerians aged 18 to 45—including women in rural and suburban areas—across all six geopolitical zones.

During a media briefing in Lekki, Lagos, OVL Foundation CEO Mrs. Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan described the programme’s goal as igniting innovation, inspiring action, and empowering youths to take active roles in education, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

She emphasized the disconnect between Nigeria’s education system and today’s job market, particularly in the digital and technical sectors, urging urgent efforts to equip youths with relevant skills.

“Nigeria has over 200 million people, and more than 70% are under 30. We must position them to compete globally,” she said.

Board Advisory member Dr. Victor Okahai added that this year’s International Youth Day, on August 12, will spotlight success stories through a documentary and emphasize ongoing entrepreneurship training and impact monitoring.

The Foundation has already trained more than 2,000 youths in Delta State, leading to increased job creation and self-employment.