PLASMIDA Hosts 2-Day Employer Engagement Event to Strengthen Public/Private Collaboration for Sustainable Employment in Plateau

The Plateau Job Centre, domiciled in the Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency (PLASMIDA), in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH through the Skills Development for Youth Employment (SKYE) Programme, has organized a 2-day Employer Engagement Event at Crispan Hotel, Jos. The event is supported on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) of Germany, with co-funding from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

With the theme “Bridging the Gap: Strengthening Public and Private Collaboration for Sustainable Employment in Plateau State,” the engagement brought together key stakeholders from the private sector and government agencies to explore actionable strategies for improving employment outcomes and aligning skills with market demands.

In his opening remarks, the Director General of PLASMIDA, Hon. Bomkam Ali Wuyep, emphasized that the event was designed as a focused stakeholder engagement with employers of labour—the second of its kind in Plateau State. He described it as a pivotal step in the journey toward unlocking the full potential of the state’s labour force through strategic public-private collaboration.

Hon. Bomkam elaborated on PLASMIDA’s core mandate, which is to serve as a bridge between the demand and supply sides of the labour market, facilitating meaningful engagements that foster job creation, skills development, and business growth. He expressed gratitude to His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, Executive Governor of Plateau State, for his visionary leadership.Governor Mutfwang’s administration, under the Green Cap Policy thrust, has placed human capital development and job creation at the centre of governance,” Hon. Bomkam stated.

He also commended the Secretary to the State Government, Architect Samuel N. Jatau, who doubles as the Chairman of the Ease of Doing Business Council in the state. Hon. Bomkam praised Arch. Jatau’s commitment to fostering a responsive business environment, driving reforms that make it easier for employers to thrive and efficiently absorb been instrumental in the convergence of policies that align skill development with industry needs,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Ulan Jatau charged participants to take the sessions seriously, emphasizing the Plateau State Government’s ongoing efforts to drive skills acquisition and employment through targeted policies and strategic partnerships.

The engagement featured several impactful presentations by experts, each tailored to provide insight and provoke action around employment and skills development:

Sherifat Yunusa delivered a presentation on “Strengthening Access to Decent Work,” addressing key barriers and the role of inclusive policies in ensuring fair labour opportunities.

Stella Dimlong spoke on “The Role of the Private and Public Sector in Promoting Employment and Skills Development of the Labour Force,” emphasizing the importance of synergy in workforce development and job creation.

Jennifer Turay introduced participants to the Plateau Job Centre, detailing its background, mandate, and the strategic role it plays in labour market intermediation within the state.

The event also featured syndicate group sessions where participants were divided into working groups to deliberate on key thematic areas. Each group later presented their findings, challenges, and recommendations, providing actionable insights that could inform future labour policies and private sector partnerships.

The 2-day engagement served as a vital platform for advancing dialogue between government institutions and the private sector, with the aim of enhancing sustainable employment in Plateau State. It underscored the Plateau Job Centre’s growing role as a crucial link between job seekers and employers, and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to building a responsive, skilled, and employable workforce.

The event closed on a note of collaboration and optimism, with participants expressing commitment to fostering ongoing partnerships that will drive economic growth and improve livelihoods across Plateau State.