Hundreds of young Nigerians across Lagos, Onitsha, Ondo, and Abuja celebrated a significant milestone as beneficiaries of the Youth Employability Booster (YEB) Project successfully graduated after completing six months of intensive vocational training and a two-month internship.
The graduation ceremonies, held between 9 and 10 July 2026, brought together government representatives, development partners, employers, members of the Salesian community, families, and friends to celebrate the graduates’ journey towards employment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods.
Implemented by the Don Bosco Development Initiative in partnership with Young Africa International and funded by the Mastercard Foundation, the Youth Employability Booster (YEB) Project provides free vocational, life skills, entrepreneurship, and employability training to vulnerable young people across Nigeria, empowering them with the practical skills and confidence needed to thrive in today’s labour market.
Held under the theme “Empowered by Skills, Prepared for the Future,” the graduation ceremonies showcased the remarkable transformation of the participants. Graduates proudly exhibited products and services developed during their training, including fashion designs, catering and confectioneries, video production, wigs, makeup artistry, gele tying, and other vocational skills. Beyond the certificates they received, the event celebrated stories of resilience, growth, and renewed hope as beneficiaries confidently demonstrated the knowledge and practical experience they had gained over the past eight months.
A common programme was adopted across the four centres, featuring keynote presentations on the event theme, inspection of exhibitions, goodwill messages, cultural displays, and the presentation of certificates, which marked the highlight of each ceremony.
The ceremonies attracted a strong turnout despite challenging weather conditions in some locations. Guests included representatives from the Trade Test Office, NABTEB, the Bwari Area Council, Vice Chancellor, University of Education, Ondo, Young Africa International, the Provincial Development Office (PDO), dignitaries from the various states, and members of the Salesian communities, all of whom commended the graduates for their commitment and perseverance throughout the programme.
A major highlight of the Lagos graduation was a Job Fair facilitated by Jobberman, a leading West African recruitment and career development platform. The session equipped graduates with practical skills in CV writing, portfolio development, and career readiness while providing opportunities to engage directly with recruiters from different industries. The Lagos centre also recognised excellence by presenting starter packs to the three best graduating participants in each vocational trade, giving them an added boost as they begin their entrepreneurial journeys, while other deserving participants would be presented with starter packs at a later date.
Many graduates expressed deep appreciation to the organisers and partners, describing the programme as a life-changing opportunity that equipped them with practical skills, confidence, and renewed hope for the future.
The ceremonies concluded with votes of thanks from the organising teams, who expressed gratitude to all partners whose support made the programme possible, with special appreciation to Jobberman for connecting graduates with employment opportunities and helping bridge the gap between training and the world of work.
As the graduates embark on the next chapter of their lives, they carry more than certificates; they leave with practical skills, workplace experience, entrepreneurial knowledge, and the confidence to pursue decent employment or establish successful businesses. Through the Youth Employability Booster Project, the Salesians of Don Bosco and their partners continue to create pathways that empower young people, strengthen communities, and build hope for a more sustainable future.