The Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, has flagged off the screening exercise for the Ibeju-Lekki Career Accelerator Programme (CAP), marking the beginning of a six-month intensive training designed to prepare young people for career success and entrepreneurship.
Epe Insights reports that the screening exercise attracted prospective participants seeking admission into the Career Accelerator Programme, an initiative aimed at equipping youths with practical skills required to thrive in today’s competitive labour market.
The programme forms part of the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government’s commitment to youth empowerment, human capital development and sustainable economic growth.
According to the council, the Career Accelerator Programme is designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and workplace expectations by providing participants with industry-relevant skills.
Addressing applicants during the screening exercise, Hon. Olowa said the process was more than a selection exercise, describing it as an opportunity to properly orient participants on the purpose and expectations of the programme.
The chairman explained that candidates must understand the level of commitment required before enrolling in the initiative.
He urged applicants to carefully assess whether the programme aligns with their career ambitions, personal interests and long-term professional goals.
According to him, participation should be driven by a genuine desire to acquire knowledge and develop practical skills rather than simply securing a place in the programme.
Hon. Olowa emphasised that the Career Accelerator Programme has been carefully designed to prepare young people for the realities of employment, entrepreneurship and leadership.
He noted that participants will undergo an intensive six-month training that demands discipline, consistency and active engagement throughout the duration of the programme.
The chairman stressed that only committed participants would be able to maximise the opportunities offered through the initiative.
He encouraged applicants to approach the programme with determination, focus and a willingness to learn.
According to Hon. Olowa, the knowledge and experience gained during the training will position participants to compete favourably in an evolving job market.
The Career Accelerator Programme focuses on five major areas considered essential for personal and professional development.
Participants will receive training in Digital Literacy, equipping them with the technological skills required to succeed in the modern workplace.
The programme also includes Entrepreneurship, where participants will learn practical business concepts, innovation and enterprise development.
Another key component is Communication Skills, aimed at improving participants’ ability to communicate effectively in professional and business environments.
Training in Financial Education will expose participants to personal finance, budgeting, savings, investment principles and responsible financial management.
The fifth component, Professional Growth, is designed to prepare participants for career advancement through workplace ethics, leadership development and employability skills.
Hon. Olowa explained that the combination of these five learning areas reflects the administration’s vision of producing confident, skilled and productive young people.
He stated that the programme seeks to empower participants with practical knowledge that can be applied immediately in employment, business and community development.
The chairman noted that as Ibeju-Lekki continues to witness rapid industrialisation and economic expansion, there is an increasing demand for skilled and adaptable young professionals.
He expressed confidence that the Career Accelerator Programme will contribute significantly to preparing local youths for opportunities emerging within the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Lekki Free Trade Zone, Dangote Refinery and other industries operating across the corridor.
Stakeholders who witnessed the screening exercise commended the initiative, describing it as a strategic investment in the future of young people within Ibeju-Lekki.
Many noted that programmes focusing on practical skills development remain essential in addressing unemployment and improving economic opportunities for youths.
The screening exercise marks the first stage of what is expected to become one of the flagship youth development initiatives of the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government.
Successful applicants will proceed to the intensive six-month training, where they will receive mentorship, practical instruction and career guidance designed to prepare them for long-term success.
Through the Career Accelerator Programme, the Olowa administration continues to demonstrate its commitment to empowering the next generation with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to excel in an increasingly competitive global economy.
