USADF, Lagos government, DDI target 15,000 youths for employment

State gives cash grant to 50 indigents to offset medical bills, rents, start business
As the world commemorates the International Youth Day, the United States African Development Foundation (USADF), in collaboration with Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), is targeting 15,000 youths in the state in the next five years to equip them with employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

The programme, which is being facilitated by Diamond Development Initiative (DDI), is currently engaging training centres to provide in-demand skills to over 210 youths in Lagos State.

The Executive Director of DDI, Adamu Garba, who disclosed this yesterday, said that for the pilot edition, 33 trainers were currently being supported to provide “industry-relevant and in-demand technology-oriented skills,” such as cyber security, Virtualisation, 2D/3D Design, Cloud Computing, Software Engineering, Interior Design and so on to the 210 young trainees comprising 45 per cent females and 55 per cent males.

He added that about 50 per cent of all beneficiaries of the programme would be placed in paid employment or internship – in collaboration with industry players.

Garba expressed gratitude to, and confidence in this collaborative response to the need to promote small enterprise development in underserved communities, drive community benefits through social enterprises, and establish sustainable development models, especially as they relate to young people.

In another development, Lagos State government, through its ‘Sanwo-Olu Listens, has supported 50 indigent residents with cash and business tools to meet their needs shortly after supporting 2,000 residents through ‘Sanwo-Olu Cares’.

The beneficiaries were supported to offset medical bills, house rents, capital to start businesses and business tools.

The Special Adviser, Office of Civic Engagement, Aderemi Adebowale, at the presentation, yesterday, said with the funds provided under the scheme, beneficiaries were exposed to business and investment opportunities requiring minimal start-up capital.

Adebowale stated that the process of selecting the beneficiaries for the financial support was transparent and rigorous.