The Rivers State Government has announced plans to host a statewide Graduate Job Fair on January 22, 2026, in a renewed effort to reduce youth unemployment and boost economic growth across the state.
The Commissioner for Employment and Empowerment Generation, Dr. Chisom Kenneth Gbali, made this known during a press briefing in Port Harcourt, explaining that the programme is a key initiative of the Governor Siminalayi Fubara-led administration.
According to him, the job fair will provide opportunities for immediate employment, internships and vocational training for eligible graduates. He added that the state government is funding the initiative as part of its broader strategy to empower young people and close the unemployment gap.
Dr. Gbali disclosed that the ministry has partnered with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) to ensure the success of the programme. Through this collaboration, participants will have access to employment opportunities from more than 85 major companies operating across the country.
He noted that the ministry is adopting the Quadruple Helix Model to guarantee sustainability, a framework that promotes collaboration among the state government, the private sector, academic institutions and civil society organisations.
Beyond job placements, the commissioner said the ministry is rolling out complementary capacity-building programmes targeted at sectors with high demand. These include energy, particularly oil and gas, the blue economy, maritime activities such as shipping and marine operations, as well as artificial intelligence (AI) and information and communication technology (ICT).
“We are equipping our people with skills that align with global economic trends,” Dr. Gbali said, adding that registration for the job fair is currently open on the ministry’s portal at www.megee.rv.gov.ng.
Speaking on the national economy, the commissioner stated that Nigeria is gradually entering a phase of economic stability, which he attributed to the structural reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He pointed to reduced urban congestion and a gradual drop in the prices of staple foods as signs of improvement over the past year.
Dr. Gbali also commended Governor Fubara for sustaining a stable political environment in Rivers State, describing it as a critical factor in attracting investors to the state. He referenced the ongoing rehabilitation of the Rivers State Secretariat Complex as evidence of the administration’s commitment to strengthening governance infrastructure.
He assured prospective participants that the recruitment process would be transparent, stressing that the job fair is designed to provide equal opportunities for all youths in Rivers State.
Job creation is the expectation of unemployed graduates from reputable organizations within the country