The Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo Olu, through the wealth creation and employment ministry of the state, empowered 1,140 youths, as they graduate in diferent skill aquisition program with a 21st century digital and entrepreneurial and mentorship skills and they all went home with a mobile phone each, which came as a surprise gift from the governor, after their 5 weeks intensive training.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Governor, Babajide Sanwo Olu who was represented by the Secretary to the State government, Mrs. Sherifat Jaji commended the beneficiaries for taking a bold step by taking opportunities made available by the programme The governor says the true essence of education is to enhance, identify and harness their innate ability and talent.

Speaking further, Mr Governor said, one of the major objectives of His administration, Is to ensure, that the good people of Lagos state, live a life of dignity. This his administration have demonstrated by promoting and supporting programmes that will create opportunities for young people to become successful entrepreneurs and job creators.

Narrating the process and procedures embarked on in achieving this goal, the commissioner of ministry of wealth creation, Hon. Mrs Yetunde Arobieke says the ministry covered the state by collaborating with the local governments, ( LG) local council development area ( LCDA) , Governments, foundations, non governmental organizations ( NGO) , academia and parliamentarians to proffer options which inturn births solution. She said they propelled the youths to identify their talents , passion and innate gift and turn same into businesses for them by embarking on IT e-nabled entrepreneurship training and mentorship for these potential youths with entrepreneurship dreams.

20 best talents were selected from each LG and LCDA and they were trained appropriately and were transformed into 21st century world class entrepreneurs in Lagos. A website was developed to accommodate the online offices for all the beneficiaries.

Mrs Yetunde Arobieke disclosed that Governor Sanwo-Olu is aware of the high expectations of lagosians and he is investing in the capacity development of youths in the state which will create an indelible mark for posterity, hence the ministry of wealth creation and employment will continue to come up with initiatives and more impactful programs to change erstwhile narratives.

Dr. Abimbola Ekunnusi, the Chief Executive Officer of Digital age consulting, , said they went to 57 local government in the state to mobilize and sensitized the youths on how to become their own boss and the training started in the whole division, giving the intellect that will enable them to manover.

The Chairman House Committee on Wealth Creation from Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Hon. Jude Idimogu , who also represented the speaker , Rt. Hon Mudashiru Obasa, used himself as a source of Inspiration, saying he also acquired some skills at a point in his life. He said government is also changing the mindset by preparing the youths to be financially independent by being their own boss. Mr. Samson Ajibade who represented the head of service, says if we fail to invest in our youths, we will get youth restlessness,hence Lagos State is getting it right .

He urged the graduands to practice what they were taught, that is to do business, make money so that the society will be better for it.

Mr. Tubosun Alake, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Technology, said Governor Sanwo-Olu has great passion for the youths and always coming up with lots of innovations with a glowing desire to do better and add value to the society.

While showing deep appreciation for this laudable programme from the state government, Some of graduands presented award of Excellence to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and to the commissioner, Hon Mrs Yetunde arobieke by presenting some of their works as gifts to them. While some of the graduating youths pleaded with the state government to increase the numbers of beneficiaries to 5,000 in their next outing.

Other dignitaries and senior government officials present at the ceremony includes Mrs Solape Hamond, special adviser, SDG and investments, Lagos state . Pernanent Secretary, Ministry of wealth creation and employment, Mr Olujimi Ige, Director, Finance & Corporate services , Lagos state employment trust fund, Mr Adedamola , Mrs Iyabo Seriki- Bello, Director of Employment, and Mr Adele Director of Public affairs.