Get Guardian on GoogleLagos State Government and other stakeholders have been charged to sustain investments in youth empowerment initiatives to address unemployment, poverty and economic exclusion among young people.
The National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, Eghosa Erhumwunse, made the call at the close-out ceremony of the Empowering Lagos Youth (ELY) Project.
Erhumwunse said the project, which commenced in January 2025, was designed to equip young people from disadvantaged backgrounds with vocational and entrepreneurial skills to enable them to secure sustainable livelihoods.
He described young people as the foundation of Lagos State and Nigeria, noting that the project had helped change perceptions about youths by demonstrating their capacity to become responsible leaders and contributors to society.
He expressed appreciation to the Lagos State government, particularly the ministries involved, as well as development partners and other stakeholders, for supporting the initiative.
Erhumwunse said that collaboration between government institutions, organisations and communities remained essential to achieving sustainable development.
He commended the collaboration between men and women in advancing women’s empowerment, while highlighting the role of the Ministry of Women Affairs in promoting inclusive development.
He urged the government and other stakeholders to ensure that the gains recorded through the project were sustained, adding that effective project management and continued investment in young people were necessary to reduce poverty.
Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, the Head of Service of the ministry, Mr. Tunji Akeusola, said the ceremony was organised to celebrate the achievements of the project and recognise the commitment of its beneficiaries.
He said the initiative addressed critical challenges confronting young people, including unemployment, inadequate vocational skills and limited access to mentorship, through vocational training, entrepreneurship development and psychosocial support.
Akeusola said the Lagos State Government valued its partnerships with organisations such as SOS Children’s Villages, describing the project as an example of effective collaboration between government, non-governmental organisations and communities.
He congratulated the beneficiaries on their commitment and resilience, urging them to build networks, support one another and make productive use of the opportunities provided through the programme.
He added that the ministry remained open to further partnerships and initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and economic prospects of young people in the state.
Under the project, 203 young people completed their Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), while 100 participants completed internships and business mentorship programmes.
A further 100 participants were selected to receive business start-up kits to support the establishment or expansion of their enterprises.
