Empowering Nigerian youth for sustainable livelihoods, a goal at the centre of the partnership between Don Bosco Development Initiative and Young Africa International, has reached a milestone worthy of applause.
The Youth Employability Booster (YEB) Project, which kicked off in June 2025, brought together beneficiaries and their families, master craftspeople, and dignitaries from different professions to celebrate its maiden graduation ceremony.
The Youth Employability Booster (YEB) Programme is a four-year initiative that provides practical, market-driven skills training, combining business mentorship and job-linkage support to help young people transition into employment and entrepreneurship.
The programme aims to train and support 18,300 young people across four states in Nigeria, prioritising the inclusion of women and persons living with disabilities to ensure equal access to sustainable opportunities.
To mark this significant achievement, Don Bosco Development Initiative and Young Africa International, in partnership with Mastercard, celebrated all 461 participants of Cohort 1 across Abuja, Lagos, Anambra and Ondo States on Friday, February 6, 2026.
The First Cohort Graduation Ceremony showcased inspiring success stories and highlighted the impact of the Youth Employability Booster initiative across all centres. The occasion was graced by the presence of His Royal Highness, the Alafin of Igunshin in Ondo State, alongside representatives from relevant ministries, government parastatals, and the private sector. Members of the Don Bosco communities, as well as partners from the Mastercard Foundation and Young Africa Nigeria, were also in attendance.
The trainees turned out in large numbers and demonstrated a high level of coordination, discipline, and organisation, reflecting the programme’s values and quality. They received certificates in Trade Tests 2 and 3, approved by the Ministry of Education for Vocational and Technical Skills.
Keynote speakers across the different centres commended the graduands for their dedication and commitment, which have clearly paid off. Speaking at the Lagos event, Mr Mayowa, Business Development Manager at Wema Bank, Egbeda Branch, encouraged participants to remain resilient, work with excellence, and allow innovation to guide their service to society.
The beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude to the Don Bosco and Young Africa teams, sharing how the programme has opened new doors of opportunity in their various trades. They also praised their trainers for the professionalism and excellence with which knowledge and skills were imparted.
The event concluded on a high note, with participants exhibiting their crafts and families proudly capturing the memorable moments. Guests left with strong commendations for the initiative and a renewed anticipation for the next enrolment, eager to share the opportunity with more young people in need.
