Nigeria’s greatest resource is not oil or minerals—it is its people, especially its youth, who make up more than 60% of the population. Yet in Northeast Nigeria, many young people face unemployment, underemployment, and limited access to skills development. Conflict, poverty, and displacement have left too many without opportunities to realize their potential.
At Support for All Foundation (SFAF), we believe that empowering youth and creating sustainable jobs is key to breaking the cycle of poverty, reducing vulnerability, and fostering peace and development.
The Challenge for Youth in Northeast Nigeria
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Unemployment Crisis: Thousands of young people graduate yearly but lack job opportunities.
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Skills Gap: Many do not have access to vocational training, entrepreneurship mentorship, or digital skills.
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Vulnerability to Exploitation: Idle youth are at higher risk of being recruited into negative coping mechanisms, including violence or unsafe migration.
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Limited Access to Finance: Lack of startup capital prevents youth with innovative ideas from turning them into businesses.
These challenges weaken not only individuals but also the communities and economies they belong to.
SFAF’s Approach to Youth Empowerment and Job Creation
Our programs focus on skills, opportunities, and sustainable livelihoods:
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Vocational and Technical Training: Equipping youth with in-demand skills in agriculture, creative industries, ICT, and renewable energy.
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Entrepreneurship Development: Offering business incubation, mentorship, and startup toolkits for youth-led enterprises.
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Access to Finance: Linking young entrepreneurs to microfinance, grants, and cooperative models to scale their ventures.
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Job Placement Partnerships: Collaborating with private sector actors and government agencies to connect trained youth with employment opportunities.
Stories of Change
In 2024, SFAF supported a group of displaced young people in Yobe State with vocational training in tailoring, solar installation, and digital marketing. Six months later, 70% of the participants had started small businesses or secured jobs. One beneficiary shared:
“SFAF gave me more than skills—it gave me confidence and a livelihood. I can now support my family and train others.”
Our 5-Year Outlook
By 2030, SFAF envisions:
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Training and empowering 15,000 young people with vocational, digital, and entrepreneurial skills.
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Supporting the creation of 5,000 youth-led businesses across Northeast Nigeria.
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Linking at least 10,000 youth to employment opportunities through public-private partnerships.
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Reducing youth unemployment in target communities by 25%.
Conclusion & Call to Action
When youth are empowered, communities thrive. Job creation is not only an economic solution but also a peacebuilding strategy. By investing in young people, we invest in innovation, resilience, and the future of Nigeria.
At SFAF, we are committed to unlocking the potential of every young person and creating pathways for sustainable livelihoods in Northeast Nigeria.
🚀 We invite donors, private investors, and government partners to join us in scaling youth empowerment initiatives that build stronger futures.
✨ At SFAF, we say: Youth empowerment is opportunity. Job creation is stability. Together, they are the foundation of lasting progress.
