Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has restated his administration’s commitment to creating jobs and generating wealth for young people, describing them as the backbone of the state’s prosperity. Speaking at the 2025 Stakeholders’ Forum of the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, held recently at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, and represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the Governor highlighted the state’s ongoing initiatives aimed at equipping youth with skills and employment opportunities. He announced that 1,000 interns trained under the Graduate Internship Placement Programme would be deployed to various organizations from September, with over 200 companies already partnering with the state to provide practical work experience and mentorship.
The Honourable Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe, underscored key initiatives driving youth empowerment, including ICT training schemes, the Lagos Leather Hub at Matori, and the disbursement of over ₦30 billion through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund to support small and medium-sized enterprises. Permanent Secretary, Esv. Wasiu Adebayo Olayinka, assured that recommendations from the Forum would be translated into concrete actions, transforming youth aspirations into measurable outcomes and contributing to inclusive economic growth.
Experts note that the benefits of these initiatives extend beyond immediate employment, including enhanced human capital development, strengthened entrepreneurship, and broader economic stimulation as young people gain skills, experience, and opportunities to innovate. By connecting the youth with private sector partners, Lagos is creating pathways for sustainable income generation, boosting productivity, and fostering a culture of self-reliance.
However, observers caution that challenges such as limited absorption capacity by private sector partners, mismatches between training and market demand, and systemic barriers to equitable access could affect the full realization of these programs. Effective monitoring, continuous engagement with stakeholders, and adaptive policy implementation will be critical to overcoming these hurdles and ensuring that the programs achieve their intended impact.
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s renewed focus on youth employment and wealth creation underscores a strategic vision where human capital is central to Lagos State’s socio-economic development. By fostering skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and private sector partnerships, the state aims to empower its young population, reduce unemployment, and secure long-term inclusive growth that benefits communities across Lagos.
Reported by: Stone Reporters News
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