ToThe Lagos State government and Honeywell Group have partnered to create jobs and tackle youth unemployment.
The state government and the business entered into a three-year agreement through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) to give 77 beneficiaries from Cohort A access to mentorship and practical training opportunities through the Lagos Innovates talent development project.
One of Lagos Innovates’ training partners, Dataleum, led the program, which got under way last September with the selection of 77 participants from a pool of 1,000 candidates.
Beneficiaries underwent a demanding four-month training program in which they learned about data analytics, soft skills, stimulated interviewing, and other job-preparation exercises.
The graduation ceremony, which took place in Ikeja, also served as a career fair where recruiters spoke with the graduates.
Lagos Innovates’ Head, Startups, Hakeem Onasanya, said: “One of the major highlights of this initiative, aside from the number of young people we are able to support, is hearing about its impact from the beneficiaries.
“I applaud the graduates for their commitment to the programme, and we are optimistic that the graduates will go on to do astounding work in their new career path and in service to Lagos State.”
Also, Honeywell Group’s Head, Corporate Services, Tomi Otudeko said: “We are proud of these beneficiaries who have worked tirelessly throughout the rigorous programme, and it has been a delight to see their faces light up. More importantly, we are encouraged by the impact this training has had on their lives and how it will cascade down to 77 communities across the state.
“As a company, we are deliberate about investing in people and initiatives that will allow us to make a positive impact on communities and improve the lives of our stakeholders. This partnership with the Lagos State Government through LSETF is a key aspect of building the economy of the state and the nation. We look forward to the next session of the programme and being enablers for the expanding vision for the country.”
While cohorts B and C are set to begin soon with other training partners, members of the public are encouraged to apply for the next selection round.
A beneficiary of the programme, Favour Adebayo, described the programme as what she needed to change her life and thanked Honeywell Group, LSETF and Dataleum, the training partner. She said: “The talent development programme was transformational. The programme gave me direction and more opportunities. From acquiring soft skills I didn’t know I lacked to intense hands-on practice, I am convinced that the only way from here is up!”
