Lagos State Set To Boost Employment With GIPP

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has said that his administration is committed to ensuring that every young person in the State has access to opportunities that will enable them to realise their full potential.

The Governor said this at the On-Boarding Ceremony of 2,500 Interns of the Lagos State Graduate Internship Placement Programme (GIPP), themed “Igniting a Future of Opportunities and Excellence”, held today at the Blue Roof, Agidingbi, Ikeja-Lagos.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, noted that the state government recognizes that the future of Lagos depends on the investments it makes today in the young people, stating that youth empowerment is at the heart of the present administration agenda.

His words, “At the heart of our administration’s agenda is the empowerment of youth. We recognize that the future of Lagos depends on the investments we make today in our young people. Whether, through programmes like the GIPP, skills development initiatives, or youth-focused policies, we are committed to ensuring that every young person in Lagos has access to opportunities that will enable them to realise their full potential”.

He added that the commitment is not just about creating jobs; but about creating pathways to success, and ensuring that every young person, regardless of their background, has the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive in their chosen careers

“Besides, Lagos State is a place of great potential, driven by a dynamic and youthful population. Our vision for Lagos is one of innovation, inclusion, and boundless opportunities, and central to this vision is the empowerment of our youth. This programme is more than an internship but is a platform for career growth, personal development, and professional excellence”, Sanwo-Olu said.

He noted that the connections they build, the experiences they gain, and the challenges they overcome during the period will shape their career trajectory and define their contribution to the growth of the state economy.

Furthermore, the Governor hinted that the Internship Placement Programme is a testament to what both the government and citizens can achieve when they come together with a shared purpose, as empowering the youth is akin to building a brighter future for Lagos State and Nigeria.

While commending the partnership of private organisations for offering these internships, Sanwo-Olu stated that they are not just providing work opportunities for the intends, they are also investing in the future of Lagos and contributing to a collective vision where the youth are empowered, the economy is strengthened, and the state continues to thrive as a hub of innovation and opportunity.

Earlier in his welcome address, Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe stated that the programme marks a significant milestone in the journey to empower the youth of Lagos State and strengthen the employability landscape across the city, adding that it is also a move towards building a robust and sustainable economy through Youth empowerment and skill development.

The Commissioner said the Graduate Internship Placement Programme (GIPP) was designed to address one of the most pressing challenges facing young graduates today – the gap between academic qualifications and workplace readiness. He said, “Through this initiative, we aim to equip our graduates with theoretical knowledge and practical skills, real-world experiences, and the confidence to excel in the job market”.

Ajigbotafe therefore, urged the participant to make judicious use of the initiative with both hands, and remember that the future belongs to those who prepare for it, adding “We are all eager to witness your progress, and we believe that each of you has the potential to excel and contribute to the growth of Lagos State”.

Speaking further, he noted that over the last three weeks, the 2,500 participants have undergone intensive training in employability skills ranging from creative thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making, written and oral communication, teamwork interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, to self-organisation and personal effectiveness, professional ethics and adaptability as well as orientation to service, among others.

He stressed that the interns are ready to take the next step by enrolling for their internships, where they will continue to learn, grow, and contribute to their respective organisations.

In his goodwill message, Commissioner for Youth & Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende charged the graduants to take advantage of the internship emphasising that the sky is their foundation and no longer their limit, adding everything they have learnt is supposed to add to what they already know to take them to the next level.

He noted that as youths, they need to continue to search for information. “We all have our gadgets it is not just about TikTok videos, Instagram reels, Facebook but about looking for information. Again, all these are testaments and affirmations to let you know that the government of Governor Sanwo-Olu is youth-centric and will continue to roll out youth programmes. Still, it is for you to take advantage of it all”, he advised.