By Efese Osayekemwen Jim and Justina Eguaoba
The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strategic collaboration with development partners as it moves to deepen socio-economic opportunities for residents, particularly the youth, through the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP).
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, gave the assurance when he received a delegation from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at his office in Benin City.
Prince Afegbua stated that the Ministry of Information and Strategy, as the central hub for government communication and public engagement, remains well positioned to amplify impactful initiatives that align with the developmental priorities of the State. He emphasized that the Ministry would deploy its communication channels to ensure widespread awareness and participation in the NJFP.
According to the Commissioner, the partnership underscores the State Government’s resolve to work closely with credible institutions and agencies to promote programmes that enhance livelihoods, empower young people, and stimulate inclusive growth.
“The Ministry of Information and Strategy serves as the engine room for disseminating government policies and programmes. We will ensure that the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme receives the visibility it deserves across the State, so that our youths and relevant stakeholders can fully benefit from it,” the Commissioner said.
Earlier, the Regional Focal Point Officer for the South-South Region of NJFP, Mr. Emmanuel Ojiedeherhie, explained that the visit was both introductory and strategic. He noted that NJFP is a Federal Government initiative, funded by the European Union and implemented by the UNDP, designed to tackle youth unemployment by equipping young graduates with practical workplace experience and employability skills.
Ojiedeherhie explained that under the programme, selected fellows are placed in reputable organisations for a period of 12 months, during which they receive structured training, mentorship, and hands-on experience to build their professional capacity. He added that each fellow is supported with a monthly stipend of ₦150,000 throughout the duration of the programme. He appreciated the importance of collaborating with the Ministry, given its pivotal role in information management and public communication.
“We are here not only to introduce the programme, but also to seek a strategic partnership that will enable us to effectively reach young graduates, organisations, and ministries, departments and agencies across Edo State. The Ministry’s platform is critical in ensuring that stakeholders are well informed and able to key into the opportunities provided by the programme,” Ojiedeherhie said.
The engagement provided an avenue to outline participation modalities for organisations willing to host fellows, as well as the processes through which eligible graduates can apply.
Also present at the engagement ware the Ministry’s Director of Administration and Supply, Mrs Oghogho Joy Omosigho; the NJFP State Cluster Team leader, Lordside Ewere Acha; Dr. (Mrs) Emosike Abhulimhe, Wuraola Akinola, Segun Mayekodunmi of NJFP.
A major highlight of the visit was the formal registration of the Edo State Ministry of Information and Strategy on the NJFP portal, marking the beginning of a collaborative effort to expand awareness and participation in the programme across Edo State.