By Sodiq Adelakun
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has appealed for stronger collaboration among government, business leaders, and stakeholders to confront the persistent challenge of youth unemployment, announcing the creation of 1,000 new opportunities through a government-backed scheme.
The governor made this known during the 2025 Stakeholders’ Forum organised by the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, themed “Passion to Prosperity: Unlocking Youth Potential in Lagos.” Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Abimbola Saliu-Hundeyin, Sanwo-Olu underlined the importance of collective effort in generating sustainable jobs and empowering young people.
He unveiled the Graduate Internship Placement Programme (GIPP) as part of his administration’s drive to provide practical work experience for young graduates.
“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,” Sanwo-Olu said. “Their passion shines through their daring ideas, and their contributions are shaping the future of our state.”
The governor stressed the need to nurture this passion through education, skills development, mentorship, funding, and a supportive ecosystem, adding that government must continually create an environment for talent to flourish.
He identified entrepreneurship as a central force for wealth creation and innovation, encouraging its promotion as both an alternative to traditional employment and a powerful driver of economic growth.
“We must cultivate an environment where mentorship and collaboration thrive, linking young talents with seasoned professionals who can inspire and guide them,” he said.
At the forum, Mallam Ahmed Gobir, President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), stressed the urgency of unlocking youth potential.
“Youth empowerment is not CSR; it is national security,” Gobir declared. “Every idle youth is an opportunity lost; every empowered youth is GDP gained.” He also called on business leaders to adopt a “people first” mindset, arguing that supporting young talent delivers exponential returns for companies and society alike.
State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, described the gathering as a strategic platform to transform passion into measurable prosperity. Permanent Secretary Adebayo Olayinka added that all actionable recommendations emerging from the discussions would be carefully implemented for the benefit of Lagos residents.
“The ministry assures you that every input shared will be carefully studied and, where applicable, implemented for the greater good of our state,” Olayinka said.
