Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, has unveiled additional plans under the SHIEELD Ibeju-Lekki Youth Empowerment Programme, with a strong focus on vocational training, employability and sustainable job creation.
Epe Insights reports that the chairman said the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) component was designed to empower young people who dropped out of school or could not pursue higher education by providing them with practical skills and career opportunities.
Hon. Olowa stressed that not every young person must return to the classroom to succeed, noting that vocational education, mentorship and life skills remain effective pathways to economic independence.
He explained that the programme seeks to identify youths based on their abilities and interests, equipping them with industry-relevant skills capable of transforming their lives and creating sustainable livelihoods.
The chairman recalled an earlier intervention in which unemployed youths from communities within Ibeju-Lekki were encouraged and supported to enlist in the Nigerian Army.
According to him, many of the beneficiaries are now serving personnel whose lives have changed through stable employment and improved economic opportunities.
Hon. Olowa disclosed that the first phase of the SHIEELD Ibeju-Lekki Youth Empowerment Programme is expected to accommodate nearly 1,000 participants across the Career Accelerator Programme (CAP) and the TVET pathway.
He assured stakeholders that admission into both programmes would be transparent, merit-based and inclusive to ensure equal opportunities for qualified applicants across the local government.
During the strategic brainstorming session, participating organisations presented their areas of expertise and outlined practical contributions toward the successful implementation of the initiative.
Discussions focused on building strong partnerships that align training with labour market demands, enabling participants to acquire practical skills that translate directly into employment and entrepreneurship.
Among the organisations represented were Africa Fintech Foundry (AFF), Genzar, Lekki Worldwide, LERSA, Folio Tech Institute, ICLED Business School, Global Tech Academics, Bubbles View Media and Hospitality, Terawork, the Renewable Energy Technology Training Institute (RETTI), CWO Lekki and other development partners.
The proposed training curriculum covers a wide range of high-demand sectors, including information technology, renewable energy, solar photovoltaic installation, plumbing, carpentry, electrical installation, tailoring, graphic design, photography, music and sound production, podcast production, freelancing, hospitality and makeup artistry.
The chairman said preparations for implementation are already at an advanced stage, revealing that the first batch of participants under the Career Accelerator Programme is expected to begin training in the first week of August.
He added that the TVET programme will be rolled out in structured phases to ensure effective training, quality delivery and sustainable outcomes for participants.
Hon. Olowa expressed appreciation to Mrs. Bolaji Osime, Africa Fintech Foundry, Genzar, Lekki Worldwide, LERSA and other partner organisations for supporting the initiative and contributing resources toward youth development.
He expressed confidence that stronger collaboration between government, development organisations and the private sector would create lasting opportunities for young people while reducing unemployment across Ibeju-Lekki.
The brainstorming session concluded with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to refining and launching the SHIEELD Ibeju-Lekki Youth Empowerment Programme as a transformative initiative that will prepare young people for employment, entrepreneurship, leadership and long-term economic success.
