A Social Entreprise, iCreate Africa says it plans to inspire a new generation of young people to pursue careers in the construction industry while addressing the skills gap that exists.
The Chief Executive Officer, Mr Bright Jaja, made this known at a press briefing in Lagos on Friday, on the sixth edition of the “Builders Show” slated for June 1 to June 3.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event would be held at International Conference Centre, Abuja and sponsored by Skillers, Bosch, the German government through GIZ, Berger Paints, Royal Ceramics and Sterling Bank.
Jaja said that the builders’ show was one of the largest gatherings of construction industry experts and stakeholders in Africa.
“The builders show aims to address the challenges facing the construction industry in Africa, particularly in the area of skills development and capacity building.
“The event will feature the African construction skills competition, where teams from Nigeria,Togo, Benin and Ghana will compete in a range of construction related tasks and challenges.
“In addition, there will be an exhibition, workshops and an awards ceremony to recognise outstanding achievements in construction,” he said.
Jaja said that developers, construction companies and building materials manufacturers were invited to support the project so they would help to promote the development of the construction industry in Africa.
“The builders show aims to educate, connect and improve the housing industry through a three-day showcase of skills, products, innovation, workshops and panel discussions,” he said.
Mr Tobias Wolfgarten, Head of Programme, German Cooperation Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit(GIZ), said that the show would help to upgrade the profile of skilled workers and professionals.
Wolfgarten said that their focus was to address the huge unemployment rate, , informality of getting jobs and encourage young people in professional skills.
“We need to create more awareness to have young people learn skills so they can succeed in labour markets,” he said.
Mr Samson Ajayi, Country Business Director, Bosch, said that their purpose was to empower Nigerian youths by catching them young to compete favourably.
Ajayi said that the show was relevant, would fill gaps on how skills could be used and also bring Nigerian skilled workers to the spotlight.
Mrs Alaba Fagun, Managing Director, Berger Paints, said that partnering with the organisers was to build reputable artisans.
She said it was to make them build products and showcase new vision because the business world was evolving.
