The National Institute for Labour Studies, MINILS, Ilorin, in North Central Nigeria has announced its partnership with the Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Abuja, Mallam Saliu Mustapha's office in a joint effort to promote job creation and foster youth development.

This collaboration is aimed at empowering young leaders in entrepreneurship and providing them with opportunities for growth and success.

The Director General of the Institute, Comrade Issa Aremu, disclosed this while speaking on behalf of the Labour Institute during a two-day capacity-building retreat organised by Mallam Saliu Mustapha.

Comrade Aremu expressed his admiration for Senator Mustapha, describing him as approachable, accessible, and open to new ideas.

The Director General highlighted the importance of the institute's cooperation with the senator's office, stating that it would focus on nurturing the entrepreneurial skills of youth leaders.

Furthermore, Comrade Aremu applauded the State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his decision to establish a textile factory in Ilorin.

He emphasised that this initiative would significantly contribute to job creation for a large number of unemployed youths in Kwara State.

“I appreciate Senator Saliu Mustapha for his accessibility, approachability, and willingness to listen. Whenever there is any matter concerning him, I am always eager to address it. The senator understands the importance of engaging with youth leaders, just as they rely on him for support and guidance,” he said.

According to him, the partnership between the Labour Institute and Senator Saliu Mustapha's office holds great promise for the future of job creation and youth development in the State stressing that by equipping young leaders with the necessary skills and resources, this collaboration will empower them to drive economic growth and contribute to the overall development of the state.

“As the initiative takes shape, it is expected to provide a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to learn from experienced professionals, exchange ideas, and access funding opportunities. Through workshops, training programs, and mentorship initiatives, the institute and Senator Mustapha's office will work hand in hand to create an enabling environment for the youth to thrive” Comrade Aremu disclosed further.

“With youth unemployment being a significant challenge in Nigeria, partnerships like this are crucial in addressing the issue and fostering a more prosperous future. The Labour Institute's collaboration with Senator Saliu Mustapha demonstrates a commitment to harnessing the potential of young leaders and providing them with the tools they need to succeed in the ever-evolving job market” he added.

One of the contributors at the retreat, Saudat Abdulbaki of the University of Ilorin spoke on the arts of communications in Ilorin Emirate and stressed the need for the leaders to understand the language the youth are communicating with them for proper understanding.

According to her, for one to be a good community leader, such a person must have listening ears, good speaking prowess and always give room for feedback.

Another facilitator at the retreat, Yusuf Lawal of the University of Abuja, stressed the need for the people to support their leaders when elected or appointed into positions of responsibility.

Lawal emphasised that leadership at the community level is by identifying their economic comparative advantage creatively and innovatively.

In his contribution to the programme, the Kwara State Commandant, NDLEA, Muhammed Bashir Ibrahim stressed the need for vigorous campaigns at the grassroots levels against drug abuse and assured of the agency's readiness to protect whistle-blowers at all times.

The Special Technical Adviser on Job Creation, Entrepreneurship and Skills Development to Senator Saliu Mustapha, Mallam Nasir Abdulqadir reiterated the commitment of the lawmaker to human capacity development as the best route to great socioeconomic growth and development.

Other facilitators who spoke at the retreat charged the various development associations to be vigilant and provide adequate information against crimes in their domains and adequately monitor projects to logical completion.