YouWiN Has Created Over 26,000 Jobs – Jonathan

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN CUTTING THE CAKE TO COMMEMORATE THE 3RD EDITION OF YouWiN PEOGRAMME AT THE STATE HOUSE BANQUET HALL, ABUJA ON MONDAY, 25/11/2013.

President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday announced with glee that over 27,000 jobs have been created in the last two years through the Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria (YouWiN) Programme. This is just as he reiterated his belief in Nigerian youths, who he described as not only “vibrant; they are intelligent, resilient and hardworking”.

The president made the remark while declaring open the third edition of the YouWiN Programme at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja.
President Jonathan recalled that when his administration came into power in 2011, youth unemployment in the country stood at a staggering 35 per cent, which he said was unacceptable, hence the launching of a number of initiatives, including YouWiN, to help create jobs for Nigerians.
His remarks read in part: “In its short run, there have been so many winning stories from the YouWiN programme. The success rate in implementation and in operation is commendable. The exhibition by a few of the awardees which I have just reviewed, confirms that our youths are indeed, industrious and highly talented”.
In apparent reference to the various products and services displayed by recipients of YouWin on the occasion, the president said, “With targeted support, the products and services on display here will compete with the best in the world. They will not only serve our domestic needs, they are potentially export revenue earners for this country”.
He added that “I am exceedingly pleased to learn that some of our youths who received only training and capacity building support, without financial grants, have proven their entrepreneurial skills by starting their own businesses and employing other youths. These commendable efforts challenge us to do more for our youths in the areas of entrepreneurship and job creation”.
Among other objectives of YouWin, Mr. Jonathan stated that the “programme retains its significance as a uniting platform for beneficiaries from all across the country”, adding that “The synergy formed, the relationship forged and the networking opportunities created, will last well into the future, to the benefit of the nation”.
Dispelling the notion that beneficiaries are only selected on the basis of their connection with highly placed individuals rather than merit, President Jonathan said YouWiN is an example of his administration’s commitment to reward, merit and performance.
“YouWin! Grant recipients can confirm that they received the award without ‘knowing’ anybody. There is no ‘godfatherism’ in this programme. Nigeria is the godfather to every one of us” he declared.
While encouraging Nigerian youths between the age bracket of 18 and 45 years to apply for the programme, the president said “By the end of this 3rd cycle, YouWiN! would have provided entrepreneurship opportunities for 3,600 enterprising youth and created jobs for tens of thousands”.