Lagos, Nigeria — Public affairs commentator Chijioke Alexander Orji has emphasized that the first step to empowering Nigerians is through education and the recognition of all forms of work as meaningful.
Speaking during a panel discussion, Orji highlighted the importance of shifting societal perceptions so that careers often overlooked — such as waste collection or welding — are respected and valued.[irp]
“The first step to empowering the people is to invest in knowledge. Let the average Nigerian see that being a waste collector is a meaningful job, that being a welder is a meaningful job,” Orji said.
He argued that valuing all professions and providing proper skills training will not only enhance individual dignity but also boost the economy by creating competent professionals across sectors.
“Empowerment isn’t just about money; it’s about equipping people with skills and respect for what they do. Every honest job contributes to society,” he added.
Orji urged the government, educational institutions, and civil society groups to invest in vocational training and awareness programs, ensuring that Nigerians understand the value of all forms of labor.[irp]
“When people recognize that all work matters, society grows stronger. That’s the foundation of true empowerment,” he concluded.
Experts note that Orji’s comments resonate with ongoing calls for skills-based education and the professionalization of vocational work across Nigeria.
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