The Ministry of Labour and Employment has called upon journalists to play an effective role in reporting the Federal Government’s agenda for employment generation within Nigeria.
Speaking at a one-day workshop in Abuja with the theme “Strategic Reportage on Job Creation/Employment Generation for Labour Correspondents,” Mr. Emmanuel Igbinosun, the Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, highlighted the vital contribution that journalists and the mass media can make to the success of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Igbinosun stressed the need for journalists to educate the public about the government’s initiatives aimed at fulfilling the objectives of the current government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. One of the central priorities of this administration’s eight-point agenda is addressing unemployment, making effective communication and publicity of every policy and effort in this regard crucial.
The workshop was organized to enhance the understanding of the Ministry’s mandate concerning job creation and employment generation. It also recognized the media’s significant role as a strategic partner in helping the ministry fulfill its mandate.
Mr. Joseph Akpan, Director of Employment and Wages in the ministry, clarified the ministry’s primary role, which is not directly creating jobs or addressing labor disputes. Instead, the ministry’s focus is on creating a conducive environment that fosters job availability.
Akpan emphasized that improving road networks, establishing effective compensation schemes, and considering various contingencies are essential for enhancing employment opportunities.
Akpan also emphasized self-employment and entrepreneurship as the most promising options for job creation due to their potential for expansion.
Mr. Olajide Oshundun, Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry, addressed the common misconception among many Nigerians, who often believe that the Labor ministry’s primary function is to resolve industrial disputes. He explained that the workshop aimed to foster a better understanding of the ministry’s diverse roles and functions.
Dr. Tiza Shaakaa, Deputy Director of the Skills Development and Certification Department in the ministry, reported that the ministry had successfully trained and certified over 70,000 Nigerians between 2020 and 2022.
These training programs focused on various skill acquisition initiatives aimed at reducing unemployment in the nation. Dr. Shaakaa also noted that the ministry’s newly revised National Employment Policy was ready for approval by the Federal Executive Council.
Mr. Patrick Abulu, Acting Chairman of Labour Correspondents of Nigeria (LACAN), expressed his appreciation for the ministry’s efforts to educate journalists about its programs and initiatives.
(NAN)
