By Seun Ibiyemi
Field Ready and the Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Base (LADOL) Upskilling Academy areset to build a flexible workforce readily fit for industry demand especially in construction sector.
To achieve this, the companies have concluded plans to host the Field Ready Nigeria Alliance virtual meeting tagged: “Building a workforce that thrives.”
According to a statement on Monday, Elefedo Idachaba, Director of Field Ready Nigeria, said: “Ahead of the first Field Ready programme to launch at Yaba Tech later this year, we are delighted to be hosting this important meeting for Nigeria, focused on building a workforce that is fit for industry despite the past year’s uncertainties, by bringing leading government and industry representatives together.”
Jide Jadesimi, Executive Director Business Development said: “Nigerian Industry has enormous growth potential. The Construction sector is expected to grow by more than 9% per year from 2022-2031, almost tripling in value from $3.3 billion to over $9 billion. But a lack of skilled workers – from carpenters and painters to electricians – is limiting the industry’s potential.
“Improperly trained workers slow down projects, increase risks and costs.
“Today, Nigeria imports workers to take on jobs that Nigerians will be doing tomorrow: with the right training and skills.”
The meeting will incorporate a panel discussion with the focus “Building a flexible workforce that thrives despite uncertainty.” This discussion will include perspectives from companies representing some of the major industrial players and education institutions in Nigeria. The session will be facilitated by Field Ready’s Founder, Phil Andrews, who will seek perspectives on building a quality entry level workforce and the role of industry in supporting young women and men to secure decent work in the labour market.
Keynote addresses on behalf of the Government of Nigeria will include Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board (NCDMB); Ajuri Ngelale, Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Public Affairs (OVP), Nigerian Presidency.
The panel includes: Wale Adediran, HR Director, Flour Mills Nigeria (FMN) and President and Chairman of Governing Council, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM); Jide Jadesimi, Executive Director, LADOL; Obafemi Omokungbe, Rector, Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech); Peju Adebajo, Industry Expert; Olumide Adediji, Human Resources Manager, FanMilk/Danone Nigeria.
The meeting will be hosted on Zoom from 10:00am-12:00pm on Wednesday, June 2, 2021.