As part of its efforts to tackle some of the challenges facing youth in Nigeria and empower them to succeed through working, learning, thriving, connecting and leading, a non-profit organisation, Amaka Chiwuike-Uba Foundation (ACUF) has trained more than 100 youths in Enugu metropolis on how to create a good Curriculum Vitae (CV) and cover letter, for possible employment. This is even as the youths were armed with basic interview skills and answers to possible interview questions in order to further reduce the number of unemployed youths in the country and for them to add positively to the development of society.

The event held earlier this week in Enugu under the Foundation’s Youth Development and Leadership Workshop Series (YouDaL), had participants drinking from the wealth of knowledge of mentors, entrepreneurs, executive directors and employers who used the opportunity to educate job-seekers on some of the factors inhibiting their ability to get an appointment for job interview and also succeed in job interviews. These failures are largely attributed to poor CV and interview skills.

Speaking on the one-day training workshop, founder of the Foundation, Mr. Chiwuike Uba, said that he was greatly concerned about the number of graduates roaming the streets in search of jobs, but were denied possible opportunities for employment because of their CVs. He noted that a job-seekers CV is the first contact with a prospective employer and would have to be put in a proper perspective, as it would make or mar the applicant’s chances of getting a job. He said that there are a ‘million and one’ graduates being churned out by universities across the country, but, with few organisations willing to absorb them. First, due to a very high disconnect between the universities and the industries which lead to university curriculum that does not address the industry’s need and the poor written CVs. According to him, the competition in the labour market is so fierce that only a well-written CV would see a job-seeker stand out in a multitude. Mr Uba said: “There is no need having a killer CV that gets you to every interview, when you lack the skills to navigate questions that are asked you during interviews.”

Therefore, participants in the just concluded workshop were led through the self-assessment series to build their capacities to produce effective CVs and cover letter that would capture and retain interest of possible employers. This workshop was the second in the series, having oragnised the first training workshop with the theme: “Visioning and Goal Setting” in June 2018. “This is not the first time that ACUF would be doing something for the development of the society. “On 6th July 2017, we organised the 1st Amaka Chiwuike-Uba Annual Asthma Conference, during which we sensitised Nigerians on the role of timely and accurate diagnosis and management of asthma. We had participants drawn from notable Nigerians, including the former governor of Delta state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar Na’abba.”

Chiwuike added that the Foundation has been at the forefront of championing the cause of Nigerians and has been holding periodic events to make sure that the Country becomes a better place for all Nigerians.

Mr. Uba said that YouDaL envisions Youth that becomes empowered leaders with skills and confidence to actively develop and empower self, family as well as transform the Community towards positive change.

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