SWUYN’s President Tambou Speaks At 10th Anniversary, Launches Legacy Project

By Joseph Bienbo, Warri

The Society for the Welfare of Unemployed Youths of Nigeria (SWUYN) marked its 10th anniversary late last week with a call to action to address youth unemployment.

Its National President, Comr. Preye V. Tambou, emphasised that unemployed youths are a national asset, not a liability.

The anniversary theme, “From Unemployment to Employment,” highlights SWUYN’s mission to empower youths through skills development and job opportunities. The event featured plenary sessions, workshops, and a national rally with 28 speakers and trainers.

The SWUYN Legacy Project, “Standing With Unemployed Youths Nationwide,” was launched, focusing on: “Youth Empowerment Fund for startups, Training and Innovation Hub for digital and vocational skills, Advocacy for youth-friendly policies, Alumni and Mentorship Network

SWUYN aimed to equip 30,000 youths with employable skills and support thousands of youth-led enterprises within five years. The organization calls on government, corporate, and philanthropic leaders to join hands in expanding opportunities for Nigerian youths.

The speech reads, “Distinguished guests, respected leaders, partners, members of the press, and the resilient unemployed youths of Nigeria, I warmly welcome you all to this historic gathering as we celebrate 10 years of impact, advocacy, and commitment by the Society for the Welfare of Unemployed Youths of Nigeria.

“A decade ago, SWUYN was founded with a clear purpose — to give voice, hope, and opportunity to unemployed youths across Nigeria. What started as a modest movement has grown into a national platform advocating for empowerment, skills development, and employment opportunities for young people.

“Today, we gather not only to celebrate our journey but also to confront one of the most urgent challenges facing our nation — youth unemployment.

“Nigeria has one of the largest youth populations in the world. Our youths are intelligent, energetic, creative, and determined yet millions remain without access to meaningful employment. However, we must be clear: unemployed youths are not a liability; they are a powerful national asset waiting to be empowered.

“That is why our theme for this anniversary — “From Unemployment to Employment” — is both a message and a mission.

“Over the next three days, this programme will provide a national platform for dialogue, skills training, mentorship, and opportunities. With 28 speakers, trainers, and discussants, multiple plenary sessions, skills workshops, and a national rally, we are bringing together leaders from the government, the private sector, academia, and civil society to explore practical solutions.

“One of the most important highlights of this anniversary is the launch of the SWUYN Legacy Project — “Standing With Unemployed Youths Nationwide.”

“This initiative will focus on:

• Youth Empowerment Fund to support youth-led businesses and startups

• Training and Innovation Hub to equip youths with digital, vocational, and entrepreneurial skills

• Advocacy and Policy Engagement to influence youth-friendly employment policies

• SWUYN Alumni and Mentorship Network to build a community of empowered youths supporting others

“Our goal is ambitious but achievable: to equip at least 30,000 youths with employable skills within the next five years and support thousands of youth-led enterprises across Nigeria.

“However, this vision cannot succeed alone. We therefore call on government institutions, corporate organisations, development partners, and philanthropic leaders to join hands with us in expanding opportunities for Nigerian youths.

“To the young people here today and across the country: do not lose hope. Your potential is immense, your creativity is powerful, and your future remains bright. With the right support, Nigerian youths will not only seek jobs — they will create jobs and transform communities.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that SWUYN moves beyond advocacy to real empowerment and measurable impact.

“Let this anniversary mark the beginning of a new decade of solutions, innovation, and opportunities for Nigerian youths.

Together, we will move from unemployment to employment”.