Lagos, Stakeholders unite to unlock youth potential, boost employment

In a determined effort to strengthen workforce development and secure Lagos State’s economic future, the Lagos State Government has partnered with key stakeholders to expand employment opportunities and enhance job readiness among young people.

This was part of the deliberation at the 2025 Stakeholders’ Forum, themed “Passion to Prosperity: Unlocking Youth Potential”, which took place on Wednesday at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja.

The event provided a platform for government officials, corporate leaders, civil society organisations, and development partners to exchange ideas, deliberate on policies, and forge sustainable collaborations aimed at long-term economic growth.

Speaking at the event, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, emphasised the importance of collective action in empowering the youth.

Sanwo-Olu noted that the forum allows stakeholders to contribute actively to Lagos State’s development agenda, ensuring that every voice is considered in shaping the future.

The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin,   described Lagos as a youthful and vibrant state defined by resilience, innovation, and energy.

He called on participants to harness the enormous potential of young people, highlighting that the forum’s theme is both timely and vital for the state’s progress.

The governor said his administration’s vision is to build a Lagos where talent is recognised, dreams are nurtured, and the creativity, ambition, and energy of the youth are transformed into meaningful opportunities and lasting prosperity.

Sanwo-Olu explained that the forum focused on adapting education and skills development to the evolving demands of the job market, promoting entrepreneurship as a driver of innovation and wealth creation, and cultivating an environment where mentorship and collaboration link young talents with seasoned professionals.

He also stressed the need to leverage technology to drive inclusive economic growth, harnessing digital platforms, creative industries, green innovations, and smart agriculture.

Highlighting the scale of the initiative, Sanwo-Olu noted the participation of over 200 companies and 100 employers at the 2025 Lagos State Job Fair.

He revealed that 1,000 Graduate Internship Placement Program (GIPP)-trained interns were set to be placed starting this September, representing the aspirations of young people seeking opportunities, families striving for breakthroughs, and dreams awaiting fulfilment.

Addressing the forum, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, outlined plans for the upcoming Job Fair, expected to draw over 2,000 students.

He described it as a platform where students could engage directly with industry experts, showcase their skills, and explore career pathways.

Ajigbotafe urged private organisations to collaborate with the government in connecting talent with opportunity, highlighting Lagos’ dynamic commercial, industrial, technological, and creative sectors.

He further stated that the forum embodied the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, creating a space for genuine dialogue and learning from the experiences of youth and entrepreneurs.

According to him, it is designed to capture innovative solutions emerging from local communities and align them with the evolving needs of industries that drive Lagos’ economy, reinforcing the state’s mission to convert passion into prosperity.