Abuja: Salute Nigeria Initiative has partnered with the Pat Fernandes Foundation to promote youth empowerment, education, and job creation in Nigeria. The Director-General of the Salute Nigeria Initiative, Amb. Chielo Ojirika, announced this collaboration during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the partnership aims to empower Nigerian youths through international job opportunities, technical training, and global educational support. The initiative, called ‘The Nigeria Industrial Revolution Project (NIRP)’, is designed to enhance youth empowerment, education, and job creation in Nigeria. Ojirika emphasized that the collaboration is intended to contribute to Nigeria’s development and, by extension, the global community.
The partnership primarily focuses on youth empowerment and international job creation, utilizing global connections to provide opportunities for Nigerian youths in Europe, especially in countries like Denmark, Poland, and Germany. Ojirika, who also serves as the Nigerian Cultural Ambassador to Germany, is coordinating the upcoming Nigerian German Investment and Cultural Expo (NGICE) in Berlin, Germany. The Expo, chaired by former Inspector General of Police Sir Mike Okiro, aims to boost Nigeria’s global image and strengthen economic ties with Germany and the world.
Mr. Patrick Fernandes, Chairman of the Pat Fernandes Foundation, highlighted the foundation’s efforts since 2017 in sponsoring young Nigerians for undergraduate studies in India. He noted that many of these students have graduated and are contributing to society. The post-COVID program offers international employment placements and technical training for youths with specialized skills, regardless of their educational background.
Fernandes emphasized the growing demand for technical competence in the global job market, particularly in fields like electrical electronics, carpentry, welding, and mechanical fitting. The partnership provides a clear pathway for young Nigerians to ‘learn and earn’ through a two-year diploma abroad, followed by employment in European industries with contracts lasting up to three years.
Graduates can anticipate earning a minimum of £1,400 per month, excluding bonuses, which translates to approximately N2.5 to N2.6 million monthly. Over two years, returning youths could accumulate up to N30 million, enabling them to start businesses and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
According to Fernandez, this initiative aligns with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to support government efforts by equipping young Nigerians with global skills, work exposure, and financial independence. Europe’s aging population has led to a significant demand for technical workers, with major companies like Mercedes-Benz and Ford actively seeking skilled mechanics, engineers, and technicians. African and Asian countries are now being positioned to fill this gap.