Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has once again reaffirmed that the youth of Lagos State remain a central focus of his administration’s development agenda, highlighting their critical role in driving economic growth and innovation within the state.
During the 2025 Lagos State Job Fair held at Blue Roof, Lagos Television, Ikeja on Thursday, the Governor was represented by Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso. He described the event as a concrete demonstration of the government’s commitment to inclusive economic development and providing young people with tangible opportunities to explore diverse career paths across multiple sectors.
The fair, themed “Your Career, Your Way: Explore Endless Possibilities,” was designed to align with the aspirations of young Lagosians, encouraging them to pursue careers that not only leverage their individual strengths but also contribute meaningfully to the prosperity and growth of Lagos State. Participants were provided with guidance, mentorship, and exposure to potential employers in both the public and private sectors.
Under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Development Agenda, youth empowerment continues to be a core priority. The government has invested heavily in programs that promote skills acquisition, vocational training, digital literacy, and entrepreneurial development. These initiatives aim to equip young Lagosians with the tools, knowledge, and experience necessary to compete in a rapidly evolving global economy, ensuring they are well-prepared to seize emerging opportunities.
Over 300 Firms and 5,000 Job Seekers Participate
The 2025 job fair attracted over 300 organizations spanning sectors such as ICT, finance, manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, media, and the creative industries. More than 5,000 participants, including recent graduates, young professionals, and aspiring entrepreneurs, attended the event, making it one of the largest youth employment gatherings ever hosted in Lagos State. The event provided a vibrant platform for networking, career advancement, and knowledge exchange between young talents and leading industry players.
Honourable Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, emphasized that the fair is more than just a one-day event; it represents a lifeline and a promise fulfilled by the administration. “We are building a platform where talent meets opportunity,” he said, highlighting the government’s commitment to bridging the gap between skills and meaningful employment opportunities for Lagos youth.
Over the last four years, the Ministry has successfully created over 200,000 jobs through a range of programs, including the Graduate Internship Placement Programme, the establishment of vocational training centers across the state, and the launch of the new Leather Hub in Mushin, designed to transform creativity into profitable enterprise. These initiatives reflect a sustained effort to ensure that young people have both the skills and platforms to succeed professionally.
Billions Disbursed, Thousands Empowered
Ajigbotafe further revealed that billions of naira have been disbursed through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund to support small businesses, startups, and young entrepreneurs. These funds have facilitated job creation, business expansion, and the provision of new economic opportunities across Lagos, directly impacting thousands of young people and contributing to the state’s overall development goals.
Permanent Secretary, Esv. Wasiu Adebayo Olayinka praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for his visionary leadership and commended the Commissioner, panelists, and partner organizations for their pivotal role in ensuring the fair’s success.
The fair also featured panel discussions and mentorship sessions with top government officials, including Mrs. Boladele Dapo-Thomas, Chairman of the Lagos State Civil Service Commission, and Mrs. Olubusola Abidakun, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Establishment and Training. These sessions offered participants guidance on career development, insights into government policies, and practical advice on how to succeed in various professional fields, further enriching the experience for all attendees.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reiterated that Lagos youth are central to the state’s development trajectory. He stressed that initiatives such as the job fair, coupled with skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programs, are designed to ensure that young people are equipped to contribute meaningfully to the economy, create sustainable livelihoods, and shape a prosperous future for Lagos State.
Through events like the 2025 Lagos State Job Fair, the administration continues to demonstrate its commitment to inclusive growth, youth empowerment, and the creation of long-term economic opportunities, ensuring that no young Lagosian is left behind in the state’s development journey.