Mrs Fakai said that Kaduna State Government is constructing three world class Vocational and Technology Skills Acquisition Cities, with one in each senatorial zone, pointed out that tackling youth unemployment requires a holistic and collaborative approach.

The Commissioner made this known at the 2025 edition of the Jobberman Career Fair that was organized at the weekend, adding that the challenge of youth unemployment is not new.

She however argued that ‘’it is imperative to think critically on developing integrated youth employment strategies that addresses job creation and helping youth transition into reputable and decent work roles.’’

Mrs Fakai reminded the participants that the Career Fair ‘’reflects a powerful partnership between government, the private sector, and educational institutions aimed at empowering our youth and supporting our economic ambitions. ‘’

She recalled that the maiden edition of the Career Fair which held on the 23rd of November, 2023, recorded a significant milestone, with ‘’a total of 1,496 unemployed youth with 71 representatives of employers of labour in attendance and over 300 job placements have been secured to date and still counting. ‘’

The Commissioner noted that this year’s edition of Jobberman Kaduna Career Fair ‘2025 is themed “Meet – Connect – Get Hired,’’ just as she expressed optimism that the programme will succeed in addressing the challenges of youth unemployment.

According to her, the success of the programme is hinged on employers of labour, career placement organizations, and training providers, remaining committed to the implementation strategies.

Mrs Fakai reminded employers that they are the backbone of economic growth, adding that their willingness to invest in talent will empower ‘’ not just for those you hire, but for the entirety of Kaduna State.’’

The Commissioner told the job seekers that the Fair provides an ‘’opportunity to showcase your skills, your creativity, and your passion. It is a moment to engage, learn, and grow.’’

‘’ Remember that each interaction here is a step toward realizing your potential and securing your future. Your careers do not only serve your personal growth but are integral to the progress of our beloved state,’’ she added.

She also commended Jobberman for ‘’orchestrating such a vital initiative, connecting thousands of hopefuls with their potential careers and contributing to bridging the employment gap in Nigeria. ‘’

National Publicity Secretary of the forum, Prof. Tanko Baba, in a statement on Sunday, described the March 28, 2025 attacks as disheartening and frightening.

According to it, they have further compounded the grim statistics of deaths, injuries, and destruction caused by ongoing terror and banditry in recent years.

The ACF extended its condolences to the bereaved families, the affected communities, and the Government and people of Plateau, while strongly condemning the heinous acts.

The forum called on the Federal Government to immediately declare a state of security emergency in vulnerable and banditry-prone communities.

It also urged the adoption of early warning and early response mechanisms that actively involve community members.

Additionally, the forum urged intensified intelligence gathering and deployment by security agencies.

This is to uncover the root causes of the latest violence, identify and prosecute perpetrators and their enablers, and ensure justice is served.

It also called for full compensation for families of the deceased and relief support for the injured.

The forum tasked both the Federal and Plateau Governments with empowering traditional rulers, elders, religious leaders, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to drive community dialogue, conflict resolution, and reconciliation.

The ACF appealed to the citizens to support the security agencies with credible intelligence on insurgent and criminal activities.

It urged the members of the National Assembly to demand accountability from the Federal Government and security agencies on efforts to end the violence.

While reaffirming its support for the Federal Government, Plateau Government, and the security agencies, ACF called for renewed vigour and decisive action to protect the lives and well-being of all Nigerians.

Uwaleke, a Professor of Capital Market at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, is also the President of the Capital Market Academics of Nigeria.

He said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

According to him, accretion to external reserves puts the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in a stronger position to defend the value of the naira.

“The CBN can leverage rising external reserves to intervene in the forex market whenever it becomes necessary to stabilise the exchange rate,” he said.

He, however, raised concerns that the increase in the nation’s foreign reserves had been largely on account of temporary FX inflows such as Foreign Portfolio Investments (FPIs) and foreign loans.

He said that they represented unsustainable sources of growing external reserves.

“Impatient capital such as FPIs carry a lot of risks and have the potential of destabilising the economy whenever they leave the country.

“Against this backdrop, the government should pay more attention to diversifying the export base of the economy, especially via agriculture and solid minerals.

“The government should also create the enabling environment that attracts sustainable Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) ,” he said.

NAN reports that the CBN recently revealed that the NFER stood at 23.11 billion dollars at the end of 2024, their highest level in three years.

The apex bank said that the development signalled a major improvement in the country’s external financial position.

It said that the NFER, which adjusts gross reserves to account for near-term liabilities such as currency swaps and forward contracts, stood at 3.99 billion dollars at the end of 2023.

According to the CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso, the improved position was due to substantial reduction in short-term foreign exchange liabilities, notably swaps and forward obligations.

Cardoso cited measures aimed at boosting forex market confidence and reserves, alongside increased non-oil foreign exchange inflows.

“This improvement in our net reserves is not accidental; it is the outcome of deliberate policy choices aimed at rebuilding confidence, reducing vulnerabilities, and laying the foundation for long-term stability.

“We remain focused on sustaining this progress through transparency, discipline, and market-driven reforms,” Cardoso said.

He said that Gross external reserves also climbed to 40.19 billion dollars at the end of 2024, up from 33.22 billion dollars the previous year.

“Reserves declined in the first quarter of 2025 due to seasonal factors and foreign debt interest payments, the CBN anticipates a steady uptick in reserves throughout the second quarter,” Cardoso said. (NAN)