The Lagos State Government has launched the ‘Empower Lagos’ initiative to tackle unemployment and create 100,000 jobs within the next three years.
The Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, stated this while highlighting the government’s commitment to addressing the growing unemployment rate in the state.
According to a statement obtained Tuesday, Ajigbitafe spoke last Thursday at the Year 2024 Stakeholders Forum, which took place at NECA House, Alausa, Ikeja.
According to him, the programme aims to ensure that each beneficiary trains at least 10 additional individuals, resulting in a multiplier effect that will impact over 100,000 Lagos residents within 36 months.
The training will cover essential areas such as career choices, business start-ups, professionalism, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making.
“Additionally, 200 graduates will receive specialised training in Information Communication Technology, culminating in Microsoft certification, thereby equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in today’s job market.
“Following the training, the beneficiaries will participate in a Graduate Internship Placement, where they will gain hands-on experience by interning with partnering organisations for three months. To support the participants during this period, the Lagos State Government, in collaboration with partners and donor agencies, will provide stipends,” he said.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s deputy Chief of Staff, Sam Egube, a guest lecturer at the event, tagged “Enhancing Service Delivery to Empower Lagos,” underscored the importance of partnerships in driving sustainable development in Lagos.
He called on the private sector, civil society, and community organisations to collaborate with the government to address the challenges of unemployment.
In July, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund created 221,000 jobs since its inception.
The governor restated the commitment of his government to job creation.
“Since its inception, the fund has generated over 221,000 direct and indirect jobs, facilitated more than 83,000 access-to-market opportunities, and trained over 18,000 young people in industry-relevant skills,” he said at the Lagos Employment Summit organised by the Trust Fund.