The Lagos State Government is encouraging stakeholders across various sectors to collaborate in creating opportunities and innovative solutions that will reduce unemployment, particularly among the youth.
This call was made during the 2025 Stakeholders’ Forum organised by the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, with the theme: “Passion to Prosperity: Unlocking Youth Potential in Lagos.”
Speaking at the forum, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, emphasised the need for collective action in creating sustainable job opportunities.
The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Abimbola Saliu-Hundeyin, said that the state government is working to ensure jobs availability through various options as he gave assurance to create another fresh 1,000 jobs through an initiative tagged, ‘The Graduate Internship Placement Programme (GIPP).’
Sanwo-Olu said, “Today is about sharing ideas, policy suggestions and it is also a call to action to tap into the incredible potential that lies within our 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 plays 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.”
Practical Strategies
The Governor identified practical strategies to be explored through education and skill development needed 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”.
Tapping Potential
In his remarks, the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, (CIPM) Mallam Ahmed Gobir who was the guest speaker, charged stakeholders to unlock youth potential not by silencing their beat but amplifying their rhythm.
He said that job creation is not charity, but a path to economic survival, calling for business leaders to always walk the talk by opening their doors to tap youths potential.
According to him “Youth empowerment is not CSR; it is national security. Every idle youth is an opportunity lost; every empowered youth is GDP gained. So, let us move from profit first to people first. Because the return on investing in people is exponential,” Gobir said.
Common Goal
Earlier on in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr Akinyemi Ajigbotafe said that the gathering was more than an event but a strategic meeting for a common goal to unlock the potential of young people and transform their passion into immeasurable prosperity.
He affirmed the Lagos State commitment to wealth creation, youth empowerment, and sustainable employment for the people as he assured that every input shared will be carefully studied and, where applicable, implemented for the greater good of our State.