Rivers State Government has flagged off the 2026 Job Fair in Port Harcourt, urging young people across the state to take advantage of available opportunities to become employers of labour and contribute to economic growth.
The job fair was declared open by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Benibo Anabraba, who represented Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara at the event organised by the Rivers State Government in partnership with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA).
Speaking at the event, Governor Fubara said global trends now favour entrepreneurship and innovation, adding that youths in Rivers State must position themselves to benefit from these changes rather than depend solely on government jobs.
The governor, while speaking on the theme “Addressing Youth Employability for Prosperity,” acknowledged that government has a responsibility to provide employment opportunities but noted that it is unrealistic to absorb all job seekers into the civil service.
“As a government, we recognise our duty to provide employment opportunities for our teeming youths. However, we also understand that not all youths can be accommodated within the civil service.
“This underscores the need to encourage entrepreneurship across diverse sectors and to partner with other stakeholders, including the youths themselves, so they can transition from being job seekers to employers of labour,” he said.
Governor Fubara further urged participants to continuously sharpen their skills and explore opportunities within their immediate environment, as well as in the global space, through the effective use of digital platforms.
He reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to sustaining peace and providing an enabling environment that allows young people to develop their potentials and thrive.
In a goodwill message, the Commissioner for Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment, Dr Chisom Gbali, said the 2026 Job Fair was designed to equip youths with contemporary skills, innovations and mentorship needed to transform them into resourceful individuals.
Gbali disclosed that the ministry has rolled out training and capacity-building programmes in areas such as ICT and artificial intelligence, oil and gas, maritime, and the blue economy.
Delivering the keynote address, the Head of the Department of Human Resources Management, Rivers State University, Dr Chris Biriowu, advised participants to stay informed about evolving sources of employability.
He explained that the labour market is dynamic and shaped by industry-specific demands, technological advancements, management practices and other emerging factors. He urged youths to adapt and compete.
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