EAPEAN President Urges Nigerians to Renew Commitment to National Development, Mobilises Members for 15th AGM

By Our Reporter

The President of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria (EAPEAN), Chief Nzeribe Okegbue, PhD, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their commitment to nation-building, inclusive economic growth and the creation of decent employment opportunities.

Okegbue, in an Independence Day message issued on behalf of EAPEAN on Thursday, said the anniversary should serve as an opportunity for Nigerians, government, employers and other stakeholders to reflect on the country’s progress and recommit themselves to building a more productive and prosperous nation.

He said the private employment services sector has an important role to play in supporting Nigeria’s economic development by connecting jobseekers with legitimate employment opportunities, strengthening workforce development and promoting fair, ethical and responsible recruitment practices.

The EAPEAN President noted that as Nigeria confronts changing labour-market realities, technological disruption and the growing aspirations of its young population, stakeholders must work together to create an employment environment that promotes skills development, productivity, decent work and sustainable livelihoods.

He reaffirmed EAPEAN’s commitment to collaborating with the Federal Government, employers, development partners and other stakeholders to strengthen the employment services industry and promote responsible recruitment practices in Nigeria.

According to him, “Nigeria’s independence is not only a celebration of our past; it is also a call to action for the future. We must continue to build a country where every citizen, particularly our young people, can access decent work and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to national development.”

Okegbue also used the occasion to call on all members of EAPEAN to actively participate in the Association’s forthcoming 15th Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled to hold on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at NECA House, Ikeja, Lagos.

He described the AGM as an important platform for members to review the Association’s activities and achievements, deliberate on issues affecting private employment agencies and collectively determine strategic priorities for the coming year.

The EAPEAN President urged member companies to make adequate arrangements to attend the AGM, stressing that the strength and effectiveness of the Association depend on the active participation and collective contributions of its members.

He said the meeting would also provide an opportunity for members to engage on emerging developments in Nigeria’s employment services sector, strengthen professional collaboration and advance initiatives aimed at improving the operating environment for licensed private employment agencies.

Okegbue congratulated Nigerians on the 66th Independence Anniversary and expressed confidence that through collective responsibility, ethical leadership, productive partnerships and sustained commitment to decent work, Nigeria could unlock greater opportunities for its people.

He wished Nigerians a peaceful and meaningful Independence Day celebration and called on EAPEAN members to remain committed to the Association’s vision of a professional, ethical, inclusive and sustainable private employment services industry.