The Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment has reiterated its commitment to transforming the state’s large youth population into a productive and innovative force for economic growth. This declaration was made during the Premium Times Employability Summit, held at the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Representing the Honourable Commissioner, Hon. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe, was Mr. Demilola Shitta, Director in the Ministry’s Employment Department. Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner, Shitta emphasized that Lagos must leverage its youthful demographic to drive progress rather than risk it becoming an economic burden.
“Lagos cannot afford to let its youth advantage become a liability,” Shitta stated. “Our goal is to prepare young people with practical, future-ready skills that will keep them relevant in today’s dynamic and competitive job market.”
He outlined several ongoing programmes and interventions by the state government aimed at enhancing youth employability. These include the Graduate Internship Placement Programme, large-scale job fairs, specialized ICT training initiatives, and the operation of five fully equipped job centres strategically located across Lagos.
These job centres offer a range of services such as employment matching, career counselling, and access to up-to-date labour market information. They also serve as resource hubs where job seekers can improve their skills and gain insights into evolving industry demands.
In addition to these programmes, Shitta highlighted the state’s active engagement with international development partners and private sector stakeholders. Through collaboration, Lagos has facilitated sessions where young people engage directly with industry leaders to better understand employer expectations and workplace trends.
“We must keep our youth employable and competitive,” Shitta noted, adding that the state is committed to sustained partnerships that link young people to opportunities both within and outside Nigeria.
He further called on private organizations, development agencies, and investors to support Lagos State’s efforts by offering internship placements, funding youth-led businesses, and scaling skill-building programmes. According to him, a multi-stakeholder approach is essential to building a resilient youth workforce capable of contributing meaningfully to the state’s economy.
The Employability Summit also featured panel discussions and keynote sessions involving representatives from key organizations such as the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), PWC Nigeria, Seven-Up Bottling Company, and Africa Context Advisory Partners. Discussions focused on unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s youth through private-public collaboration, innovation in workforce development, and scalable employment solutions.
Speakers unanimously acknowledged that while government efforts are critical, the success of youth-focused economic initiatives relies heavily on the active involvement of the private sector and civil society.
With these renewed commitments and growing partnerships, Lagos continues to position itself as a leading example of how urban centres across Africa can channel their youthful populations into engines of innovation, productivity, and sustainable growth.
