To address youth unemployment and reduce poverty, Help One Foundation (HOF) hosted a one-day empowerment workshop in Ikeja, Lagos, drawing over 400 participants for practical skills training and career development.
Held at Victory School, the event was led by popular on-air personality and convener, Ambassador James Expensive. The workshop featured hands-on sessions in areas including waste-to-wealth projects, biogas production, catering, fashion design, phone repairs, video editing, real estate marketing, and football coaching.
“Youths must maximise their current environment to start something—learn a skill, build a career, and don’t wait for the government to do it all. The government already has enormous responsibilities,” Expensive told attendees, urging them to take initiative and pursue self-reliance.
He also touched on mental health and the value of temporary or menial jobs, describing them as essential steps toward financial independence. Expensive further called for government support in creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurship, citing the need for better infrastructure, electricity, and security.
Participants shared testimonies of the impact of previous training by the foundation. Mr. Camier Eke said, “Since completing the solar energy training last year, I’ve been earning extra income to support my family. Multiple streams of income are a necessity in today’s economy.”
Engineer John Bless, a gospel artist and auto mechanic, said the event reinforced core values. “These lessons have reshaped how I run my business and live my life,” he said, referring to discussions on networking, discipline, and hard work.
Mr. Zenith Adebola, a senior executive at HOF, said the foundation’s mission is to uplift communities through values-driven initiatives. “We aim to help individuals grow, add value to themselves, and steer clear of crime and social vices,” he noted.
The event concluded with performances from Abog Josco, a visually impaired performer; Greatness Gabon, a 10-year-old musician; and Lady Ashake-Akiwe, a chanter and promoter who helped showcase locally made slippers gifted to the convener by a participant, Madam Charity.
