Hussaini Ibrahim 
Vice President Kashim Shettima launching Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme 2.0 in Abuja
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government, in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has launched a $220 million employment initiative under the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0 to empower young Nigerians with job placements and skills.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who announced the investment at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday, said the initiative seeks to “bridge the gap between learning and earning” by connecting graduates with mentorship and training opportunities.
“Our goal is to turn Nigeria’s demographic strength into productive economic power,” Shettima stated, adding that the government will institutionalise NJFP through national planning and budgets.
He urged private partners to contribute to the NJFP Basket Fund, describing it as “an investment in the nation’s most valuable asset — our young people.”
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande said the second phase will build on achievements from phase one, which has trained over 13,000 youths since 2021. UNDP’s Elsie Attafuah commended Nigeria’s leadership for connecting “potential to opportunity,” noting that over 40,000 youths have benefited so far.
EU Ambassador, Gauthier Mignot reaffirmed the bloc’s support, while Sterling Bank CEO Abubakar Suleiman urged private firms to “unlock the potential of millions of young Nigerians.”
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Oluwatobi Adu 
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Korede Abdullah 