The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund’s (LSETF) youth employment initiative reached a significant milestone with its recent job fair, described as a crucial touchpoint by the Director of Programmes and Coordination, Oyindamola Egbeyemi.
Egbeyemi emphasized that while the programme has only run for a little over a month, its success lies in measurable outcomes. “This job fair brings together employers with real vacancies and candidates prepared for interviews. Some may even walk away with jobs today,” she said. “But it’s not just about training. We assess effectiveness through rigorous screening, interviews, and post-training evaluations.”
She stressed that the ultimate measure of success goes beyond how many people were trained. “We look at the real impact. We check in with beneficiaries three months after training to see how well they’re doing. That’s how we know if the programme truly works.”
Participants shared how the experience bridged the gap between classroom theory and real-world demands. Adeola Kareem, one of the trainees, said the programme’s practical focus set it apart. “They taught us how to write CVs, handle interviews, and present ourselves. It really boosted my confidence and helped me see that soft skills are just as important as certificates.”
Another beneficiary, Solomon Iregbeyen, now a business development executive, described the programme as transformative. “It changed how I view emotional intelligence, confidence, and professionalism,” he said. “The facilitators, the networking opportunities, even the breakout sessions and meals—it was all top-notch. I hope more young people can access this kind of support.”
The initiative builds on last year’s Memorandum of Understanding between LSETF and the United States African Development Foundation, aimed at boosting youth employment and entrepreneurship across Lagos State.
