At the third Lagos State Employment Summit held at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, delivered a compelling message on the potential of local resources to drive job creation and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.
Addressing a diverse audience of government officials, community leaders, and business owners, Minister Olawande underscored the untapped opportunities within Nigeria’s local communities. He emphasized that these areas are rich in natural, cultural, and human resources that, if harnessed effectively through collaboration, could significantly boost employment across the nation.
“The government alone cannot solve the challenge of youth unemployment, nor can the private sector,” Minister Olawande stated emphatically. He called for deeper collaboration among stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector entities, and educational institutions, to leverage local strengths for economic development initiatives.
Highlighting the unique advantages of each local government area in Nigeria, Minister Olawande urged for strategic partnerships aimed at matching local resources with employment opportunities. He stressed the importance of intentional efforts to re-skill youth through initiatives like his “one youth, two skills” program, which prepares them for the evolving job market.
The summit, organized by the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), provided a platform for robust discussions on enhancing job creation through public-private partnerships. Dignitaries such as Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu, his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, and prominent private sector figures including Fola Adeola, Founder of GTB, commended the Minister’s proactive approach to fostering collaboration between sectors.
In conclusion, Minister Olawande’s call to action resonated strongly, emphasizing the potential of local resources to drive sustainable economic growth and create meaningful employment opportunities across Nigeria.