Enugu Skill Fest 2026: YADI Founder Timothy Nnamani Challenges Youths to Move From Job Seekers to Job Creators
Nnamani made the call while delivering his welcome address at the Enugu Skill Fest 2026, where he urged youths to move from being consumers and job seekers to becoming creators, entrepreneurs and job providers.
He said the essence of the festival was not merely to organise an event, but to create a platform where young people could learn, build, create, innovate and connect their skills with opportunities.
“We are not gathered here simply to make speeches, take pictures and go home. We are gathered here to announce that the young people of Enugu are ready,” he said.
Reflecting on the origin of YADI, Nnamani disclosed that the initiative started in Kaduna in 2022, when he was serving as an NYSC corps member.
According to him, his participation in an entrepreneurship and empowerment programme prompted him to consider how he could use the little resources available to him to improve the lives of other young people.
He said YADI subsequently began training young people in areas including cosmetology, digital skills, computer knowledge, baking and makeup, while also supporting young people through business empowerment and scholarships.
He added that the initiative had expanded from Kaduna to Enugu and other communities and had so far trained and empowered hundreds of young people.
'Stop waiting' — YADI founder tells youths
The YADI founder urged young people to stop waiting for government or other individuals to create opportunities for them, stressing the importance of acquiring practical and marketable skills.
He challenged youths to learn how to solve problems, use technology, create products and services and transform ideas into businesses.
According to him, a young person with a skill can progress beyond seeking employment to creating employment opportunities for others.
He also urged youths to move from being “problem reporters to problem solvers” and from “consumers to creators.”
Founder calls for stronger government-youth partnership
Nnamani also called for collaboration among government, the private sector, civil society and young people in building the future of Enugu.
He commended the administration of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, particularly in areas which he identified as education, skills, technology, infrastructure, security and efforts to improve the state's business environment.
While acknowledging the responsibilities of government, he said young people also had a responsibility to take advantage of available opportunities and contribute to the development of the state.
“Government can provide the environment. But we, the young people, must provide the ideas,” he said.
'Build here' — Nnamani challenges South-East youths
The founder further challenged young people in the South-East to look beyond relocating to major Nigerian cities or abroad and consider building businesses and innovative enterprises within the region.
He raised the possibility of Enugu producing major technology companies, manufacturing businesses, digital agencies and agricultural enterprises.
Nnamani said Enugu had talented and creative young people capable of building businesses that could attract investment and create employment.
Enugu Skill Fest to connect skills with opportunities
According to the founder, Enugu Skill Fest was conceived as a platform where young people could learn, showcase their abilities, network with businesses, connect with potential partners and access opportunities.
He urged participants not to leave the event with excitement and photographs alone, but to make practical decisions about acquiring skills, starting businesses, mentoring others and contributing to their communities.
He said the ultimate objective was to build a generation capable of creating opportunities for itself and others.
'The Nigerian youth is an asset'
Nnamani concluded his address with a strong call for young people to see themselves as contributors to Nigeria's development.
He urged youths with talents, skills, ideas, businesses, resources and knowledge to develop and deploy them in ways that could benefit others.
He declared that the future should not be left entirely to government or older generations, insisting that young people must take responsibility for building the future they desire.
“This is our time. This is our moment. This is our responsibility.”
The Enugu Skill Fest 2026 therefore presented YADI's central message around skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, youth participation, empowerment and collaboration between young people and other sectors of society.
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