The Lagos State Government says it will create another fresh 1,000 jobs through its Graduate Internship Placement Programme (GIPP) initiative.
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu disclosed this at the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment Stakeholders’ Forum 2025, themed “Passion to Prosperity: Unlocking Youth Potential in Lagos”, held on Wednesday in Ikeja.
Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, urged stakeholders across sectors to unite in tackling the rising unemployment challenge, especially among young people.
He emphasised the need for collective action in creating sustainable job opportunities for youths.
According to him, stakeholders must share ideas, propose policies and harness the immense potential within young people.
“Lagos State, a hub of innovation and resilience, is fortunate to have a youth demographic that is dynamic, driven, and eager to make a difference.
“From the bustling tech hubs in Yaba, to the vibrant fashion centres in Ikeja, the music studios in Surulere and the agricultural lands in Epe, every part of Lagos showcases the creativity and hard work of our youth.
“Their passion shines through their daring idea and their contributions are shaping the future of our state.
“We need to nurture that passion, provide direction and turn it into real results. This is where thoughtful and strategic leadership play a crucial role.
“As a government, we have to keep creating an environment that allows passion to blossom into success, which means ensuring access to quality education, relevant skills, mentorship, funding and a supportive ecosystem,” he said.
The governor said that practical strategies needed to be explored through education and skill development to adapt to the changing demands of the job market.
According to him, entrepreneurship should be encouraged, not just as an alternative to traditional jobs but as a powerful driver of innovation and wealth creation.
“We must cultivate an environment where mentorship and collaboration flourish, linking young talents with seasoned professionals who can motivate and guide them,” he said.
The Guest Speaker of the forum, Mallam Ahmed Gobir, urged stakeholders to unlock youth potential, not by silencing their beat but amplifying their rhythm.
Gobir, President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), stressed that job creation was not charity but a matter of economic survival.
“Youth empowerment is not CSR; it is national security. Every idle youth is an opportunity lost and every empowered youth is GDP gained,” he said.
The CIPM president urged business leaders to walk the talk by opening their doors to youth talent.
“Let us move from profit first to people first, because the return on investing in people is exponential,” he said.
Gobir also urged the youths not to wait for employment but deploy their potential to start-ups and become job creators.
Earlier in his welcome address, Mr Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, described the gathering as a strategic meeting with a common goal of unlocking the potential of young people.
He added that the forum aimed to transform the passion of youths into immeasurable prosperity.
In his closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Adebayo Olayinka, reaffirmed Lagos State’s unwavering commitment to wealth creation, youth empowerment, and sustainable employment.
Olayinka noted that the discussions would serve as a foundation for actionable strategies and policies to better serve residents.
“The ministry assures you that every input shared will be carefully studied and where applicable, implemented for the greater good of our state,” he said.
