Graduatepro has unveiled an audacious audiobook project aimed at addressing unemployment among Africa’s youth population. Titled “I’m A Graduate, Now What? The book will feature 55 exemplary Nigerians selected from a wide range of industries across Nigeria. These Nigerians will serve as narrators on the project, giving life to the scripts under the supervision of a Voice Coach and a Creative Director. The project will be replicated in key African countries using local influencers in those countries and managed by Graduatepro’s Country Leads.
Confirmed narrators include Audu Maikori, OC Ukeje, Segun Lawal, Yemi Amusan, Dare Art Alade, Chioma Omeruah (Chigurl), Ayo Makun (AY), Chinedu Ikedieze, Jane Maduegbuna, Lanre Olusola, Michelle Aisha Bello, Kola Oyeneyin, Nimi Akinkugbe, Japheth Omojuwa, Andre Blaze Henshaw, Moses Siasia, Lydia Idakula Sobogun, Ojoma Ochai, Femi Longe, Dike Chukwumerije, Misan Rewane, Aisha Augie-kuta, Jimi Tewe, Nuhu Kwajafa, Femi Obong Daniels, Sage Hasson, Jodie Odiete, Amanda Kirby Okoye, Dayo Isreal, Alkasim Abdulkadir and Wana Udobang amongst others.
Speaking at the event which took place at Protea Hotel Leadway, Ikeja, Mr. Audu Maikori, Founder – Chocolate City Group, shared his recent experience working on the SURE-P Graduate Internship Scheme and said, “Internships and apprenticeships are part of the tools for capacity building that young people must adopt.
Ms. Naomi Lucas, the project visionary and Creative Director of the initiative said, “We must adopt a Pan-African approach to solving unemployment. We must show our young people that they can stay here and find meaningful work.” She further stated that contrary to popular opinion, there are jobs; the problem remains a wide gap between available jobs and the skills needed to execute them and that the gap stunts business growth which would have created even more jobs.
On what she hopes to achieve with the project, she said “My aim is to use the power of audio-visuals, young people’s attraction to the creative industries and the pervasiveness of the internet and mobile technology to reverse the scourge of unemployment on the continent. Learning styles have evolved and the onus is on those who facilitate learning to remain one step ahead.” She reiterated her belief that every young person should have access to opportunities irrespective of their location, how much money they have or what time of the day it is.
The audiobook, which will be produced by Mr. Kehinde Dacosta Lawrence with Mr. Remi Olutimayin as Voice Director, will commence on Wednesday the 22nd of July 2015 and last until mid-September, 2015.
Reprinted with permission from naomilucasblog.com
