The Edo State Government has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to expand awareness and participation in the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), a youth-focused initiative that provides selected graduates with workplace placements and a monthly stipend of ₦150,000.
The partnership was reaffirmed during a meeting between the Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, and a delegation from the UNDP in Benin City.
Speaking during the engagement, Afegbua said the Edo State Government remains committed to working with development partners on programmes that create economic opportunities for young people and support inclusive growth across the state.
He explained that the Ministry of Information and Strategy would use its communication platforms to ensure that residents, especially young graduates and organisations, are properly informed about the opportunities available through the NJFP.
According to him, the collaboration reflects the state government’s broader plan to support initiatives that improve livelihoods and strengthen youth empowerment.
“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,” Afegbua said.
The Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme is a Federal Government initiative funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the UNDP. The programme was created to address youth unemployment by helping young Nigerian graduates gain practical workplace experience and improve their employability.
The South-South Regional Focal Point Officer for NJFP, Mr Emmanuel Ojiedeherhie, described the visit to Edo State as both strategic and introductory, noting that collaboration with the Ministry is important for expanding awareness across the state.
Ojiedeherhie explained that successful fellows under the programme are placed in reputable organisations for 12 months where they receive mentorship, structured training, and hands-on work experience.
He added that each selected fellow receives a monthly stipend of ₦150,000 throughout the one-year programme.
“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,” he said.
“The Ministry’s platform is critical in ensuring that stakeholders are well informed and able to key into the opportunities provided by the programme.”
The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss how organisations in Edo State can participate as host institutions for fellows and the application process for eligible graduates interested in joining the programme.
A major highlight of the engagement was the formal registration of the Edo State Ministry of Information and Strategy on the NJFP portal, a move expected to strengthen coordination and improve participation in the programme across the state.
Officials present at the meeting included the Ministry’s Director of Administration and Supply, Mrs Oghogho Joy Omosigho, NJFP State Cluster Team Leader Lordside Ewere Acha, Dr (Mrs) Emosike Abhulimhe, Wuraola Akinola, and Segun Mayekodunmi.
