The Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Empowerment, Hon. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe has flagged off the“Empower Lagos” initiative as part of the economic efforts to curb youth unemployment and empower Artisans through sustainable wealth creation programmes to enhance the socio-economic development of Lagos State.
Speaking at the Global Tech Africa Conference held recently at Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, Hon. Ajigbotafe stated that Lagos State faces challenges with huge population despite a GDP growth rate of 4.13% (MEPB 2021), adding that, with a youth population (15-35 years) of 60% and an unemployment rate of 37.14%, many residents, particularly the young, find themselves unemployed due to lack of enough opportunities and skills gaps.
He said, however, there is a need for a comprehensive solution focused on Skill Development, Job/Wealth Creation and community engagement to mitigate the issues of unemployment, reiterating that Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu approved the launch of the “Empower Lagos” programme in fulfilment of the THEMES Plus Agenda to ensure gender equality, youth empowerment and social inclusion for all Lagos State residents.
He revealed that the initiative is targeted at three categories of people, namely the post-NYSC Graduates, Artisans, and SMEs in Lagos State, saying, “The project would help to stimulate innovations and job creation as well as provide the skills necessary to succeed in today’s competitive world irrespective of their profession”.
The Commissioner disclosed that the Employability Skills programme is aimed at providing employability training to a minimum of 2,000 first-degree holders for three weeks, followed by a Graduate Internship Placement Programme (GIPP) with organisations for four to six months.
He added that, during their internships, beneficiaries will receive stipends, and there is the potential for permanent employment based on their performance, adding that a minimum of 200 beneficiaries will undergo specialised ICT training in Web Design and Data Analysis with Microsoft Certification to boost guaranteed job placements upon completion both locally and internationally.
Hon. Ajigbotafe emphasised that the “Empower Lagos“ project will go a long way in training and the provision of equipment grants to a minimum of 5,000 Artisans and Tradesmen as support aid from the Ministry.
He revealed that the Ministry will be supporting a minimum of 3,000 small-scale business owners with entrepreneurship training and start-up capital to foster innovation, self-reliance, and economic diversification.
The Commissioner disclosed further that, due to the challenges that youth face in blighted communities, the Ministry is offering special empowerment training programmes and seed funding to help them build sustainable lives.
According to him, the initiative will also feature a job fair twice a year where job seekers can interface with their employers after completing the employability skills development programme.
He, therefore, invited stakeholders in the private sector to collaborate with the State Government through the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment to create a supportive network system to fulfil the journey for the #Greater Lagos vision.
In his remarks, Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General/CEO, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), who was represented by Mr. Aristotle Onumo, Director, Corporate Unit in the Agency, commended the efforts of the Lagos State Government for their commitment towards empowerment programmes for all strata of people in the State.
Appreciating organisers of the event, Global Tech Africa, for having impacted female entrepreneurs with the technological skills needed to occupy their rightful spaces in the society, Abdullahi averred that, at the end of the “Empower Lagos” initiative, at least over 100,000 Lagosians would have actualised their dreams of becoming self-independent.