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Ministry of Youth Affairs and National Youth Commission (NAYCOM) have stepped up efforts to advance President Julius Maada Bio’s 500,000 jobs initiative following a strategic engagement with Leone Rock Metal Group, one of the country’s largest private sector employers with a workforce of over 10,000 people.
The engagement visit, led by the Minister of Youth Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Sannoh, forms part of ongoing government efforts to strengthen youth employment pathways and deepen collaboration between the public sector and major industrial institutions.
Minister Sannoh was accompanied by the National Youth Commissioner, Joseph Maada Lahai, Director of Livelihood Skills Victor Muana, Director of Programs Momodu Wudie, and other senior officials from the youth sector.
The delegation was received by the Deputy General Manager of Leone Rock Metal Group, who welcomed the initiative and expressed appreciation for the engagement. The company reaffirmed its commitment to supporting youth-focused programmes.
Discussions during the meeting focused on expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training opportunities for young workers within the mining sector. Particular emphasis was placed on certification through the National Council for Technical, Vocational and Other Academic Awards to ensure that trainees acquire recognized and industry-relevant qualifications.
The dialogue also underscored the importance of the Obasanjo Skills Training initiative as a foundation for scaling up practical skills development. Key training areas identified included solar technology, mining equipment operation and crushing technology. The initiative is expected to improve employability for young people seeking opportunities within the extractive industry.
According to the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the engagement with Leone Rock will serve as a pilot intervention and a model for similar partnerships with other mining companies across the country. The approach is aimed at broadening skills development programmes and creating sustainable employment opportunities for youths nationwide.
The Ministry and Leone Rock also expressed appreciation to President Julius Maada Bio for his continued commitment to youth empowerment and national job creation efforts.
Concluding the visit, Minister Sannoh reaffirmed the government’s resolve to translate youth employment commitments into measurable outcomes. He emphasized that young people must be equipped with certified, industry-relevant skills that guarantee long-term sustainability, in line with the President’s 500,000 jobs agenda. The delegation later toured the company’s mining site as part of the engagement.
