The Lagos State Government has issued a fervent call to action, urging stakeholders across diverse sectors to unite in addressing the pressing issue of youth unemployment. Recognizing the immense potential residing within its youthful population, the government emphasized the necessity of collaborative efforts to create sustainable job opportunities and foster an environment conducive to economic growth. This appeal was made during the 2025 Stakeholders’ Forum, themed “Passion to Prosperity: Unlocking Youth Potential in Lagos,” organized by the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment. The forum served as a platform for the exchange of ideas, policy suggestions, and the formulation of a comprehensive strategy to empower young people and harness their dynamism for the betterment of the state.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Saliu-Hundeyin, underscored the government’s commitment to tackling youth unemployment by announcing the “Graduate Internship Placement Programme,” an initiative aimed at creating 1,000 new jobs. He highlighted the vibrancy and innovation of Lagos’ youth, evident in various sectors ranging from technology to fashion, music, and agriculture. The Governor stressed the importance of nurturing this passion by providing access to quality education, relevant skills development, mentorship opportunities, funding, and a supportive ecosystem. This holistic approach, he argued, would empower young people to transform their potential into tangible success stories, contributing significantly to the state’s economic progress.
The Governor’s call to action resonated with the forum’s theme, emphasizing the need to channel the energy and creativity of young people towards productive endeavors. He painted a vivid picture of Lagos as a breeding ground for innovation and entrepreneurship, with young people at the forefront of driving growth and development. He stressed the importance of providing them with the necessary tools and support to flourish, thereby converting their passion into prosperity not only for themselves but also for the wider community. The Governor’s message underscored the critical role of government in creating an enabling environment where young people can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economic future.
Mallam Ahmed Gobir, President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, echoed the Governor’s sentiments, challenging stakeholders to prioritize people over profit. He argued that investing in human capital, particularly the youth, yields exponential returns, driving both individual and societal progress. Gobir emphasized the importance of recognizing and nurturing the unique talents and aspirations of young people, providing them with platforms to express their creativity and contribute their skills to the workforce. He advocated for a paradigm shift, moving away from a solely profit-driven approach to one that prioritizes the development and empowerment of individuals, ultimately leading to a more prosperous and equitable society.
Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, further reinforced the importance of collaboration, describing the forum as a strategic meeting aimed at achieving a common goal: unlocking the vast potential of young people and transforming their passion into tangible prosperity. He emphasized that the forum was not merely an event, but rather a critical step towards forging a collective vision for youth empowerment and economic development. Ajigbotafe’s remarks highlighted the significance of bringing together diverse stakeholders, including government representatives, private sector leaders, and youth organizations, to create a synergistic approach to addressing the challenges of youth unemployment. This collaborative spirit, he asserted, is essential for creating a sustainable and inclusive economic future for Lagos State.
The 2025 Stakeholders’ Forum served as a powerful platform for galvanizing action and fostering a shared commitment to youth empowerment. The discussions and recommendations emanating from the forum will inform policy decisions and initiatives aimed at creating more job opportunities, enhancing skills development programs, and fostering a more conducive environment for young people to thrive. The forum’s emphasis on collaboration underscored the belief that a collective effort, involving government, private sector, and civil society organizations, is crucial for effectively addressing the challenges of youth unemployment and unlocking the immense potential of Lagos’ youthful population. By working together, stakeholders can create a more prosperous and inclusive future for all, ensuring that the passion and creativity of young people are harnessed for the betterment of the state.
