On Saturday 24 May 2024, Jobberman Nigeria hosted its annual career fair in Lagos drawing thousands of job seekers and employers from various sectors. The event, held at The Podium in Lekki, provided a platform for networking and direct engagement between potential employees and hiring companies.

Speaking with Women Radio 91.7, Oreoluwa Boboye, Chief Executive Officer of Jobberman Nigeria, highlighted that this year’s edition focused on “inclusivity,” with specific initiatives to ensure women’s participation, including a creche for nursing mothers and specialized panelists addressing topics beneficial to women.

Jobberman Nigeria has set up initiatives that will benefit women which is the ” She’s More” campaign launched earlier this year and this initiative is very direct to how Jobberman Nigeria wants women to be included in the workplace while emphasising that the organisation is not biased when it comes to their recruitment processes” Boboye added.

Kemi Onabajo-Joseph, an Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company, delivered the keynote speech, urging participants to persevere in their careers and emphasizing continuous learning while encouraging women to be proactive in seeking opportunities and positioning themselves in communities offering upskilling resources. Ahmed Alaga, Head of Partnerships Africa at Jobberman Nigeria, emphasized the company’s role in bridging the gap between employees and employers and building a community of employed and professional individuals. Alaga called for friendly policies and strategies to encourage more women to take on job opportunities, ensuring no barriers hinder their entry into various industries.

Esther Adelusi, Gender and Inclusivity Coordinator at Jobberman Nigeria, advised women to be confident and equip themselves with relevant skills. Adelusi highlighted the importance of the organization’s initiative “She’s More” campaign, designed to make recruitment processes accessible to all, regardless of gender.

Babajide Sipe, Head of Marketing and Communication EcoBank Nigeria in a panel discussion shared insights into his career journey and pivotal moments of transformation. Sipe recounted the early stages of his career, highlighting a significant turning point when he began to recognize and appreciate his inherent value while emphasising the profound impact of receiving recommendations from mentors and colleagues and underscoring how these affirmations bolstered his self-confidence and propelled his professional growth. Wale Oyapeju, Co- founder and CTO of Vendeast emphasised the critical role of networking in career advancement, dispelling common misconceptions surrounding the practice. Oyapeju debunked the notion that networking equates to sycophancy, instead he highlighted its undeniable significance in professional growth; urging attendees to proactively identify their goals and seize opportunities, stressing the power of assertiveness and vocalizing one’s aspirations.

Also speaking at the event, Ololade Odunsi, Talent Lead at Founders Factory Africa, emphasised the importance of seizing career opportunities and recognizing different seasons in one’s professional life. Kanyisola Mba, Human Capital Management at Oando PLC, highlighted the need for women to have mentors to help them overcome workplace challenges. Egharevba Stephanie, Mastercard Foundation Youth Advisory Council- Diversity & Inclusion Lead advised persons with disabilities to put themselves out there and upskill themselves to enable them stay up to date with trends in the labour market.

Sanni Aisha
Women Radio 91.7
news@wfm917.com