Former Minister of Communications, Isa Pantami, has disclosed that 88.4 million Nigerians, representing around 45% of the population, live in extreme poverty. This alarming statistic was shared during his lecture, titled “Enhancing Personal Skills for Global Career Opportunities,” at the 37th anniversary of Katsina State. Pantami highlighted that the majority of those affected reside in the northern part of the country, stressing the urgency for innovative solutions and skill development to combat rising poverty and insecurity.

Pantami underscored that simply obtaining educational certificates is no longer enough in today’s competitive job market. He urged young professionals to look beyond government employment, which offers fewer than 5% of available opportunities. He pointed out that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is expected to create 95 million new jobs globally by 2025 while replacing 83 million existing positions, emphasizing the need for skill adaptation.

The former minister highlighted three essential skills for success: social skills, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving abilities. He further noted that job requirements, especially technical skills, evolve yearly.

Governor Umaru Radda of Katsina State expressed gratitude to Pantami for his insights and shared that his administration has already initiated several plans aimed at improving the future of the state. He encouraged young professionals to seize the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and contribute positively to the state’s development.