Over 1,000 youths from Edo State have received insights into job and business opportunities at the Career Clinic organised by Jobberman Nigeria at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City.

The recent event, held in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, brought together job seekers, entrepreneurs, and career professionals for a day of intensive learning, networking, and opportunity creation.

In his opening address, Head of Youth Engagement and Learning at Jobberman Nigeria, Innih Ikhide, described the Career Clinic as a platform for clarity, purpose, and practical strategies for business. He emphasized the importance of taking action, noting that transformative results require personal initiative.

Ikhide stated, “The world is changing, and the world of work is indeed changing fast, so clarity is no longer a luxury but a necessity.

The next wave of transformative stories will come from this room. The Career Clinic is an opportunity to gain clarity, purpose, and practical strategies for your business. Nothing will change if you don’t take action.”

Sharing an inspiring story, he added, “Life is 10 per cent of what happens to you and 90 per cent of how you respond to it. How you position yourself will determine your next level.”

In her keynote address, Founder of Genius Hub, Isimeme Whyte, encouraged participants to embrace technology, think entrepreneurially, and position themselves as solutions to societal challenges.

Whyte remarked, “The calibre of young people I met in Benin City genuinely inspired me. They are not waiting for handouts; they’re hungry for knowledge, for connections, for a fair chance. This generation has everything it takes to redefine Nigeria’s future, and I am honoured to have played a small part in encouraging them along that path.”

Managing Director of the Edo State Skills Development Agency, Kerimu Shehu-Kelly, praised the initiative and expressed the state government’s desire to collaborate with Jobberman in future editions to reach more young people, especially the marginalised.

He stated, “The government has seen the tremendous efforts of Jobberman, and we would love to collaborate next time to make the event more robust, especially for the marginalised. When we work together, we can reach even more young people who need these opportunities.”

The programme featured three intensive breakout sessions led by Esohe Esther Idehen on Interview Etiquette and Personal Branding, John Iyoha on Entrepreneurship Development, and Ibrahim Odion on Digital Customer Engagement strategies.

An expert panel comprising Dr Osayuwamen Aladeselu, Jobina Arinze, Kevwe Modupe, and Chika Ike-Ojukwu shared practical insights on navigating today’s world of work, providing actionable guidance for attendees.

Rejoice Aghoghore, a recent University of Benin graduate and accessories business owner, said, “I was wondering how to move on now that I have finished school, and the panel session gave me some clarity on what to do to put myself out there and promote my business. I feel more confident about the path ahead.”

Chairman of the Edo State Deaf People Association, Kingsley Eromesele, appreciated the organisers’ inclusion of persons with disabilities. He stated, “I was happy the organisers took persons with disabilities into account. The sessions were accessible and valuable. I hope Jobberman will organise more events like this and include us even more.”

The Edo Career Clinic reinforced Jobberman’s commitment to equipping young Nigerians with the skills, connections, and opportunities necessary to build fulfilling careers, while fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and professional excellence across Edo State.