The Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, in collaboration with GIZ Sky, has launched the Industry Insider Series, a knowledge-sharing and job counseling program that includes a technology training component. This initiative aims to promote job readiness, digital inclusion, and tech ecosystem exposure, while training out-of-school youths and other young people in computer technology skills. Sessions to take place weekly at the Eko Job Centre in Ikorodu.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Olayinka Adebayo Wasiu, emphasized that the program is designed to bridge the gap between the youths’ current skills and the demands of the industry. He noted that the Lagos State Government aims to ensure all youths are trained, particularly those who are out of school or graduates without employment.

Wasiu added that the ministry would explore ways to place trainees in organizations after the training, leveraging initiatives such as job internship placement training to facilitate their employment. He stated that the ministry is working on various initiatives and would look for ways to place the trainees with organizations.

The Permanent Secretary urged the youths to take full advantage of the opportunity and acquire the necessary skills. He expressed gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for providing the initiative, highlighting the governor’s commitment to empowering the youths.

Facilitator Sunkanmi Olanrewaju expressed his expectation for the program, stating that it aims to help people understand what tech entails and the opportunities available.

Olanrewaju emphasized that the program seeks to dispel the notion that tech is exclusive to certain backgrounds or courses of study. He stressed that anyone can transition into tech, regardless of their background, and that the program’s goal is to enable participants to pick up a tech skill and further their journey in the field.

A participant, Adebola Adetiloye, expressed enthusiasm and appreciation for the ongoing skill acquisition program organized by the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment. Adetiloye expects to learn a lot from the training, which he believes will prepare him for the job market and boost his confidence. He stated that the training will equip him with necessary skills, making him ready to work and compete in the job market.

Adetiloye commended the ministry’s efforts in empowering youths, saying the initiative will give them a bonus and confidence in their abilities. He expressed gratitude for the program, believing it will have a positive impact on his career prospects.