Youth Empowerment: 500 Graduates from Lagos Vocational Skill Centres, Govt Reaffirms Commitment

 The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and economic development with the successful graduation of participants from the Technical, Vocational and Educational Training (TVET) Programme.

The graduation ceremony, themed “Empowering the Youths: From Knowledge to Income,” marked the successful completion of a six-week intensive vocational training programme designed to equip participants with practical, entrepreneurial, and income-generating skills.

A total of 500 youths were trained across five vocational fields, including computer and phone repair, photography and videography, graphic design, cosmetology, and mixology, as part of the State Government’s strategic efforts to reduce unemployment and promote self-reliance among young people.

Participants were drawn from the five divisions of Lagos State (IBILE), ensuring fair representation across Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Epe.

Speaking at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe, stated that the initiative reflects the State Government’s deliberate commitment to equipping youths with practical and marketable skills capable of transforming knowledge into sustainable sources of income.

According to the Commissioner, the Ministry remains focused on creating opportunities for young people through innovative capacity-building initiatives aligned with the demands of the modern economy.

He further noted that participants underwent rigorous training facilitated by experienced professionals and industry experts to ensure they are adequately prepared to excel in their chosen vocations and contribute meaningfully to society.

Ajigbotafe encouraged the graduands to maximize the opportunities provided through the programme by becoming productive citizens, job creators, and ambassadors of excellence within their respective communities.

He further stated: “Do not see this graduation as the end of your journey; rather, see it as a stepping stone towards greatness. The knowledge and skills you have acquired must be utilized productively to create opportunities not only for yourselves but also for others within your communities. I also commend the Ministry’s management team, facilitators, programme coordinators, partners, and stakeholders whose dedication and hard work ensured the successful implementation of this programme.”

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Lolade Aina, urged beneficiaries to move beyond being job seekers and embrace entrepreneurship and wealth creation.

She disclosed that the Lagos State Government had provided start-up kits to enable beneficiaries commence their businesses immediately after the training programme.

The Permanent Secretary further noted that the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund remains available to support beneficiaries with access to funding and entrepreneurial opportunities needed to expand their businesses and attain financial independence.

She also encouraged participants to take advantage of the ₦250,000 start-up loan facility introduced to support small businesses and entrepreneurial growth.

Lolade Aina explained that beneficiaries interested in accessing the facility would be required to provide their LASSRA ID, training certificate, Tax Identification Number (TIN), and a valid government-issued identification card.

She also commended the facilitators, development partners, and stakeholders whose contributions ensured the successful implementation of the programme, reiterating the Ministry’s commitment to sustaining initiatives that promote inclusive growth, skills development, and economic empowerment across the State.

Highlights of the ceremony included the presentation of certificates, distribution of start-up kits, exhibitions of participants’ products and projects, as well as goodwill messages from stakeholders and development partners.

The TVET Programme stands as another significant milestone in the Lagos State Government’s ongoing efforts to empower youths, strengthen livelihoods, and promote sustainable socio-economic development across Lagos State.