By Esther Onyegbula

A new youth empowerment initiative, Young Future Connect (YFC), has been launched to provide young Nigerians with practical skills, mentorship, career guidance and employment opportunities aimed at preparing them for success in an increasingly competitive labour market.

Founded by Dr. Uzu Onyemaechi Robert and powered by RUZU Foundation, the programme is designed to bridge the gap between the aspirations of young people and access to opportunities, while equipping participants with relevant skills across diverse sectors.

Speaking on the vision behind the initiative, Dr. Robert said Young Future Connect was created to help youths discover their career paths, gain practical knowledge and connect with professionals who can guide them towards achieving their goals.

According to him, the platform seeks to address the growing challenge of youth unemployment and underemployment by providing structured mentorship and exposure to emerging career opportunities.
“We want to pull as many youths as possible away from the streets and position them to actualise their chosen careers. The platform will provide mentorship, practical skills, career guidance and opportunities that can help them succeed,” he said.

Dr. Robert explained that the programme would adopt a hybrid learning model, with approximately 90 per cent of training activities conducted online, enabling participants from different parts of the country to access learning opportunities without geographical limitations.

He noted that industry professionals from various fields would facilitate training sessions and mentor participants throughout their development journey.
The initiative will feature experts in journalism, digital marketing, content creation, software development, cybersecurity, data analysis, sports, hospitality, fashion, agribusiness, financial technology, media and entertainment, among other sectors.

To strengthen its impact, Young Future Connect has assembled a Board of Directors made up of professionals from key industries, including Sports, Hospitality, Travels and Tours, Software Development and Programming, Digital Marketing and Content Strategy, Cybersecurity, Data Analysis, Agribusiness, Financial Technology (FinTech) and Blockchain, Creative Arts, Media and Entertainment, Product Management and Business Development, Fashion, and Microsoft-related technologies.
Dr. Robert said participants would have direct access to experienced professionals who would provide career guidance and practical insights into their chosen fields.

“For instance, if someone wants to become a journalist, content creator, actor, filmmaker, software developer, or digital marketer, we will bring professionals in those fields to train and mentor them. The idea is to help them discover whether that career path truly suits them and give them a strong foundation to pursue it successfully,” he explained.

Beyond skills acquisition and mentorship, the founder disclosed that the organisation is pursuing partnerships with corporate bodies and educational institutions to create pathways for internships, certifications and employment opportunities.

“We are going to engage companies in different sectors and institutions, including Polytechnics and universities. Participants will not only learn but will also have opportunities for internships and jobs. For those interested in hospitality, media, acting, sports and other sectors, we already have contacts and networks that can expose them to opportunities,” he said.

He further revealed that outstanding participants would receive additional support to advance their careers through specialised training programmes and professional certification opportunities.
In a move aimed at promoting financial independence among young people, the initiative also plans to introduce digital entrepreneurship and marketing programmes that will enable participants to earn income while developing their skills.

“We want to create a system where young people can start making money even before they enter higher institutions or while they are still pursuing their education. We will provide them with digital marketing skills and create opportunities for them to promote brands and earn commissions from their efforts,” Dr. Robert stated.

According to him, the programme will begin with an online registration exercise, after which successful applicants will be enrolled into dedicated WhatsApp groups and channels for orientation and learning activities.

He added that a physical orientation event would subsequently be organised to bring participants together with industry experts for networking, mentorship and career development sessions.
Describing the initiative as more than a conventional skills acquisition programme, Dr. Robert said the long-term objective is to build a sustainable support system for young people across Nigeria.

“It is a foundation that makes the pursuit of one’s career easier. There will be direction, mentorship and opportunities. We want to become a pillar for youth development and help shape a generation of future leaders and professionals,” he said.
Young Future Connect is currently offering free registration to interested applicants across the country.

Among the benefits available to participants are access to in-demand skills training, mentorship from industry professionals, internship and employment opportunities, professional networking platforms, and exposure to career growth pathways.
Organisers expressed optimism that the initiative would attract thousands of young Nigerians seeking to improve their prospects and secure meaningful career opportunities.

The programme, they said, is expected to contribute significantly to talent development, job creation and youth empowerment as it works towards nurturing the next generation of leaders and professionals in Nigeria.