Jobberman Nigeria, in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, has organised a career clinic in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, aimed at empowering young professionals, business owners, and aspiring talents.
The event, themed “Your Career Compass: Gain Clarity in Work and Business”, was held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, and provided participants with the tools and insights to grow or pivot in their career and business journeys.
Delivering the keynote address, the Founder and Managing Director of Gandaria Ventures Limited encouraged young people to embrace determination in their chosen careers, stressing that no one else should dictate their career path. He urged them to discover their passions and pursue them relentlessly.
He emphasised the importance of taking action regardless of limitations, saying entrepreneurs must not wait for perfect conditions before starting. “There is usually an opportunity for breakthrough in whatever you are determined to do once you are doing it well,” he said, urging participants to seize opportunities, remain resolute, and commit to excellence.
Speaking on the purpose of the clinic, the Head of Marketing at Jobberman Nigeria explained that the initiative was designed to equip Benue talents with critical skills such as CV writing, interview preparation, and strategies for excelling in recruitment processes. He added that the programme also addressed entrepreneurs, offering counselling on business growth, financial management, and staff and customer relations.
He noted that counsellors would conduct follow-up sessions with participants to ensure that the training delivers long-term impact. According to him, Jobberman’s goal is to see young people use the knowledge gained to secure dignified work and build sustainable businesses.
Highlighting the inclusivity of the programme, he said the initiative, in partnership with Mastercard Foundation and the Benue State government, has successfully trained Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), People with Disabilities (PWDs), and young women, who make up 80 percent of the trainees. He further encouraged youths to actively seek mentorship and prepare themselves for opportunities within and outside Nigeria.
Representing the Benue State government, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare commended Jobberman for bringing the programme to the state. She described it as the kind of intervention the people had long desired to strengthen their knowledge base, improve their businesses, and foster self-reliance.
She assured that the state government, through her ministry, was ready to continue partnering with Jobberman to address the challenges faced by women, including gender-based violence and economic barriers. She acknowledged Jobberman’s ongoing efforts in mobilising and training women for capacity-building programmes.
Participants also expressed gratitude for the initiative. A recent graduate from Rev Fr Moses Orshio Adasu University Makurdi said the one-on-one counselling sessions erased her fears and gave her confidence to pursue her business ideas. She urged Jobberman to extend its training to schools, communities, and other institutions to broaden access to career opportunities. A small business owner also applauded the programme, saying it provided practical knowledge that would help him strengthen his enterprise.
The clinic featured expert panel sessions and breakout discussions that offered actionable strategies on personal development, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Panellists drawn from academia, consulting, and government shared insights on navigating today’s evolving career and business landscape.
The Benue Career Clinic is part of Jobberman’s wider initiative to equip Nigerians with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities required to thrive in an increasingly competitive economy.
