Lagos State Government has once again reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment, job creation, and skills development as it hosted the Eko Skills Development Initiative for Youths on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at Unity Hall, Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos.
The programme, themed “Unlocking Potentials for a Greater, Brighter and Rewarding Lagos,” was designed to equip young people, especially those in disadvantaged communities, with the relevant skills, entrepreneurial knowledge, and creative abilities needed to thrive in a dynamic economy and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Lagos State.
In his address, the Honourable Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Esv. Wasiu Adebayo Olayinka, described the initiative as a clarion call to harness the energy, creativity, and resilience of Lagos youths. He noted that the destiny of Lagos as Africa’s hub of commerce, creativity, and culture is inseparably tied to the empowerment of its young people.
He said, “The young people are not just leaders of tomorrow; they are innovators of today, entrepreneurs of today, and architects of the Lagos we dream to build. Through this initiative, the government is equipping them with digital skills, entrepreneurial knowledge, vocational expertise, and creative abilities, the very tools needed to make Lagos not only inclusive but also globally competitive.”
Ajigbotafe added that in today’s world, where skills have become the new global currency, Lagos cannot afford to lag behind. He explained that the State must continue to set the pace by creating resilient ecosystems of opportunity through government programmes, private sector collaboration, and partnerships with development stakeholders.
Delivering the Welcome Address on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, Esv. Wasiu Adebayo Olayinka, the Director of Employment in the Ministry, Mr. Demilola Shitta, described the programme as a deliberate and strategic investment in human capital, which he referred to as the State’s most valuable asset.
According to him, “This initiative goes beyond a mere training exercise; it is an investment in innovation, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance. By unlocking the potential of the youths, Lagos is laying the foundation for stronger families, uplifted communities, and accelerated national development.”
Shitta further explained that participants would undergo training in carefully designed modules covering business planning, enterprise development, vocational training, and post-training support mechanisms. He stressed that these structures were created to ensure sustainability and long-term impact beyond the classroom.
Also speaking at the event, Comrade Tijani Oluwadare from the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment highlighted the structure, objectives, and expected outcomes of the initiative. He emphasized the importance of moving beyond training into practical application, ensuring that participants are not only equipped with skills but also connected to opportunities.
He said, “The focus is to build ecosystems that connect trainees to markets, mentors, and finance so that every trained youth has the chance to become an employer or a competitive participant in the digital, vocational, and creative economies.”
The event also featured a panel discussion which brought together government officials, facilitators, private sector partners, and community stakeholders who shared insights on youth empowerment, job creation, and sustainable entrepreneurship.
The State Government charged participants to take full advantage of the initiative with passion, discipline, and determination, noting that the brighter future they aspire to begins with the deliberate steps they take today.
The Eko Skills Development Initiative for Youths remains one of the flagship programmes of the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu administration aimed at reducing unemployment, bridging the skills gap, fostering entrepreneurship, and building an economy where no youth is left behind.