Youths in Sokoto State say that they are frustrated by the lack of job opportunities and feel abandoned by the government. Many are turning to small businesses or handwork to make ends meet, but even then, finding consistent work remains a daily challenge.
Despite their efforts to create livelihoods, young people in Sokoto are expressing frustration that the government seems focused on giving jobs to older, more experienced individuals while leaving youths behind.
Many of the state’s young people are graduates who, after applying for numerous jobs, find themselves rejected due to the common requirement of 5 to 6 years of experience, which many of them don’t have.
In Sokoto, as in many other regions, the youth represent the backbone of the community, eager and willing to work. Yet, they find themselves stuck in low-paying, unreliable jobs. The lack of governmental support leaves them to fend for themselves in a tough economic environment.
ASHENEWS visited several areas in Sokoto, speaking with young people struggling to survive. Many youth-run businesses were started with the help of parents who provided the necessary capital, while others, unable to rely on family assistance, spend their days without work.
Take, for example, Mr. Kingsley Lawrence, who sells DSTV services and POS services on Maiduguri Road. He completed his national service last year but was unable to secure a job despite his qualifications in Business Administration. His frustration led him to start his own small business with help from his parents.
“After finishing my service, I applied for jobs all over the state, but I didn’t get any. So, my parents helped me with money to start this business instead of just staying at home.
“I studied Business Administration, but I had to go for training to learn how to install the cables for my customers. I also help with fixing cables when they break.
“I stayed at home for more than 4 months without work, and it was very frustrating. I have a daughter, so waking up every day with nothing to do was hard. I applied for many jobs, but I didn’t get any. Some even asked for 5 years of experience, even though I had just finished my service.
“The government isn’t doing anything to help us youths get jobs. They seem to focus on older people with 10 to 12 years of experience, leaving no opportunities for young people like us.”
Similarly, Mr. Kayode Agbaje, who lives in Mabera, learned tailoring but could not afford the necessary tools to start his own business. He tried to apply for a free sewing machine at the state’s tailoring workshop, but without success.
“I tried my best to save money for a sewing machine, but it’s very expensive, and I can’t afford it on my own. I also applied for the state’s tailoring workshop, where the best students get free sewing machines, but I couldn’t get a spot.
“If the government could provide more jobs for youths like me, it would be easier for me to save money and buy a sewing machine and shop. Right now, that’s my only problem. It’s also hard for us to feed because our parents are no longer around, and I am the first child, so I’m responsible for the family. It’s not easy.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Richard Uboh, who takes passport photos near the bank, has been running his small business for four years after struggling to find a job.
“I thank God for the banks here, because without them, I wouldn’t know how to feed myself. When people have issues with their bank accounts or need passports, they come to me outside the bank. It only takes a couple of minutes to take their photo and have the passport ready.
“Sometimes, when I leave my house in the morning and see other youths sitting outside doing nothing, I don’t blame them. I know the government hasn’t created any jobs for us, and some of them don’t have the money to start a business.”
For Mr. Okpe Jerry, a bricklayer, the issue is the unpredictable nature of his work.
“I sometimes go for months without a job. If the government could invest in more construction projects, we could have more work,” he said.
Youths like Mr. George Onapelumi, who graduated two years ago but remains unemployed, equally feel helpless.
“It hurts me to stay at home all day doing nothing when I know I can do better in a job. The government isn’t giving us youths a chance to work in their organizations. I applied to join the road safety and the police, but both didn’t work out because I didn’t complete my primary school in Sokoto State.
“If the government could just help youths find jobs, I’m sure everyone would be happy to work. Staying at home doing nothing is really hard, especially when we know how capable the youths are when it comes to working.”
Even those who manage to secure jobs, like Miss Temitope Stella, a hairstylist, struggle to survive.
Stella tried to run a cake and snack shop but had to close it after months of low sales. Now working at a hair salon, she deals with irregular customer traffic and inconsistent income.
“I rented a shop for people to come and buy cakes or snacks, but I didn’t get any customers for weeks, so I closed the shop after 7 months and started learning how to do hair.
“Even at the hair salon, we don’t get many customers on weekdays. Most customers come on weekends—Friday for people preparing for weddings, Saturday for churchgoers, and Sunday for those going to work on Monday.
“My boss always tells me not to open the shop until 10:30 in the morning because customers won’t come earlier, and there is often no light for washing and setting hair. So, we mostly just weave hair for customers. If the government could provide jobs for us youths, it would help money circulate more in the state and benefit everyone.”
Miss Omotayo Oluwaseun, who works at a POS outlet while saving money for further education, echoed similar concerns. After finishing secondary school, she can’t afford to continue her studies.
“I live with my older sister, who has three children in primary school, and their school fees are high. My sister and her husband are focused on raising money for their children’s education, so they can’t help me with mine. That’s why I’m working instead of going to school.
“I applied to nursing school, but I was told to come back next year because they’ve already admitted others who applied earlier. Nursing school fees are lower than university or polytechnic fees, so if the government could create more jobs for youths, I’m sure I could work for a year or two and then afford to continue my education.”
Across Sokoto, young people are pleading for government intervention. With many qualified and eager to work, the absence of opportunities is a harsh reminder of the gap between government promises and the reality on the ground.
NAN
