Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering Lagosians, particularly the youth, with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in today’s competitive economy.
Speaking at the 2025 Lagos State Job Fair, organised by the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment at the Blue Roof, Lagos Television, Agidingbi, Ikeja, the Governor described the initiative as a demonstration of his government’s resolve to build an inclusive economy where no talent is wasted and every ambition is nurtured.
Represented by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, the Governor said the theme of this year’s fair, “Your Career, Your Way: Explore Endless Possibilities”, reflects the aspirations of young people in Lagos to build meaningful careers and ventures that align with their strengths while contributing to the prosperity of the State and the nation.
He stressed that under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Development Agenda, youth empowerment remains a central priority. He pointed to ongoing programmes such as vocational training, digital literacy, skills acquisition, and entrepreneurship support as part of a broader strategy to expand access to sustainable jobs and wealth creation opportunities.
The Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing, Mr. Toriola Abdulafeez, called on the private sector to deepen partnerships with government in driving lasting solutions to unemployment, noting that collaboration is essential to wealth creation and economic stability.
Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, described the fair as a promise fulfilled, highlighting that over 200,000 jobs have been created in the last four years through the Ministry’s direct and indirect interventions. These include the Graduate Internship Placement Programme, vocational training centres, and the newly established Leather Hub in Mushin, aimed at turning creativity into enterprise and generating employment for residents.
Ajigbotafe added that billions of naira have been disbursed through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund to support start-ups and small businesses, enabling young entrepreneurs to grow their enterprises, create new jobs, and contribute to economic growth across ICT, manufacturing, and the creative sector.
He commended the employers, development partners, and technical experts, including Human Capital Partners and Intermarc, for sustaining the platform and ensuring that young talents in Lagos have access to opportunities.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Esv. Wasiu Adebayo Olayinka also expressed appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his continuous support of youth-focused projects, and to the stakeholders, panellists, and participants who contributed to the success of the event.
The programme featured a panel session with the Chairman of the Lagos State Civil Service Commission, Mrs. Boladele Dapo-Thomas, moderated by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Establishment and Training, Mrs. Olubusola Abidakun.
More than 300 organisations across finance, healthcare, ICT, logistics, media, manufacturing, and the creative industries participated in the fair, while over five thousand job seekers, graduates, and entrepreneurs attended to explore career opportunities and entrepreneurship support programmes designed to drive economic growth and financial inclusion.
