the jobs available require not more than 26 years of age. This country is messed up! These are some of the complaints from a regular unemployed graduate. Lets face the fact, can everyone be employed? You already know the answer. In an interview with Labaran Maku, the Minister of Information of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the public sector cant employ all the graduates being churned out of the Universities; same also applies to the private sector. Unemployed graduates were advised cultivate the Entrepreneurial spirit to become employers of labor.
While thousands of Youths are out there complaining, some others have decided to start up something on their own. Meet this young lady who searched for a job in vain for one year and some months after her NYSC; she decided to going into catering and started up her own provision store thereafter.
Did I tell you she is my younger Sister? Meet Chioma Agina Ogugua!
Picture of her Shop
In May 2013 after I got married, I decided to open a provision store. I didnt start asking for money initially; I had rented a shop with my money just for everyone to know I was serious about business. I had some savings left so I talked to my husband and I was able to raise startup for my business. Some of you might say its easy because I have access to people to give me cash; you just have to set things in motion for every other thing to take place. Now I have a shop - Not a very big place though but I am okay for now but plan expanding in the nearest future. Business is not easy, but if you are tired of looking for a job like me; you better start something now no matter how small. It wasnt all smooth sailing oh! There are challenges involved in my business, sometimes it wears you out but what keeps me going is the thought that I run my own show and would be expanding in the next few years. Its my sweat going into my own business and not someone elses business. I will get there someday.
What do you want to do?
What you want to do from this point is entirely up to you! I understand some peoples condition is worse than others. I imagine the situation of those from very poor homes whose parents managed to send them to school! YES, I can imagine; some people live in abject poverty without hope for even the next meal. For these set of people, their immediate need might be to look for a job that can give them their daily bread; its well understood, but I need you to also know that many people have started to build a business in the same situation. Look around you, there are several small businesses for you to attach yourself as a trainee. It all depends on what you want interests you. I know this guy, I call him Hustler, he never had a shop, but he made money for himself. How? He was the guy always hanging around the shopping complex; he meets you at the gate and directs you to the shop where you have to make a purchase; he gets a commission for doing this. I knew him years back, he was shabbily dressed; I saw him some weeks back and the story had changed. He has a shop where he sells mobile phones and accessories and now lives comfortably at least.
Have you registered for the SURE-P? If not you can register here www.wyesurep.gov.ng . Its a Government initiative to help train graduates with necessary skills for a period of one year, I learned they pay you a stipend during the course of the program; you can enrol why you gather the necessary skills and experience required for you to start up something. The internet is another good place to get jobs done and make some money. Some smart graduates and under graduates are secretly building their businesses around the internet trend by rendering specific services and making money. Do you know you can get paid for academic writing, content writing, graphic works etc. Freelance websites provide an avenue for professionals to hire and pay you for specialized services. Really, there is a lot to talk about.
I leave you till next time.
To your success,
Ikenna Victor Agina
agina.ikenna@gmail.com
