The Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, has launched a major youth empowerment initiative aimed at equipping young people with digital, entrepreneurial and career development skills.
Epe Insights reports that the initiative is part of Olowa’s commitment to youth development under the administration’s SHIEELD Agenda, which prioritises education, innovation, entrepreneurship and human capital development.
The launch attracted government officials, development partners, educators, entrepreneurs, youth organisations, students and community stakeholders.
Participants applauded the local government for increasing its investment in young people and creating opportunities for them to acquire relevant skills.
Speaking at the event, Olowa expressed appreciation to Genzaar Eduworld and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) for partnering with the council to establish the initiative.
He described the partnership as a strategic intervention aimed at addressing the gap between education and employment.
According to the chairman, the programme will equip beneficiaries with practical skills that can improve their chances of securing employment or creating sustainable businesses.
Olowa stressed that meaningful development must extend beyond the construction of roads and other physical infrastructure.
He said investment in human capital remains essential to preparing young people for opportunities in an increasingly competitive global economy.
The chairman said the newly commissioned ICT Centre represents an investment in the future of Ibeju-Lekki.
The facility is expected to provide young people with access to modern technology and opportunities for digital literacy training.
It will also support innovation, entrepreneurship development and career advancement.
Olowa explained that beneficiaries would be exposed to skills capable of preparing them for employment opportunities within Nigeria and the global labour market.
The programme also includes an access-to-loan component designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners.
According to the chairman, the financial support will enable beneficiaries to establish or expand businesses.
He said the initiative could contribute to job creation, strengthen entrepreneurship and reduce unemployment across Ibeju-Lekki.
Olowa maintained that empowering young people with both skills and access to financial support would give them a stronger foundation to become economically independent.
Delivering the keynote address, Mrs. Bolaji Osime urged participants to take the programme seriously and remain committed throughout the training.
She described the initiative as a potentially life-changing opportunity for beneficiaries.
Osime encouraged participants to approach the training with discipline, focus and determination.
She noted that the knowledge and experience gained could provide the foundation for successful careers and sustainable businesses.
Also speaking at the event, Professor Olajumoke Familoni highlighted the importance of continuous learning in today’s technology-driven society.
She encouraged beneficiaries to embrace lifelong learning and remain open to new ideas and emerging technologies.
Familoni stressed that digital competence has become an important requirement for individuals seeking to succeed in the modern global economy.
She urged participants to develop the ability to adapt as technology and workplace requirements continue to change.
The speakers also encouraged beneficiaries to view the programme as more than a training opportunity.
They urged participants to apply the knowledge gained to real-life challenges and explore opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Participants expressed excitement about the initiative and described it as a timely intervention for young people in Ibeju-Lekki.
They said the programme would provide practical skills, career opportunities and access to financial support.
Some participants also expressed optimism that the initiative would help them develop sustainable careers and successful enterprises.
The programme comes at a time when digital skills and entrepreneurship are becoming increasingly important in addressing youth unemployment.
For Ibeju-Lekki, the initiative provides an opportunity to prepare young people for emerging economic opportunities linked to the area’s growing industrial and commercial activities.
The local government is positioning youth empowerment as an important component of its development agenda.
Through the SHIEELD Agenda, the administration is placing greater emphasis on education, innovation, entrepreneurship and human capital development.
The establishment of the ICT Centre and Career Accelerator Programme is expected to strengthen these efforts by providing young people with practical tools for economic participation.
The partnership with Genzaar Eduworld and LSETF also demonstrates the importance of collaboration between government and development stakeholders.
Such partnerships can expand opportunities and provide young people with resources that may not be readily available through conventional education.
Olowa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to initiatives that improve the capacity and economic prospects of young people.
He said investing in youths would remain an important part of building a stronger and more prosperous Ibeju-Lekki.
The initiative is expected to provide beneficiaries with skills, knowledge and opportunities that can help them compete in the evolving world of work.
With sustained participation and effective implementation, the programme could contribute to improved employability, entrepreneurship and economic independence among young people in the local government.
