As part of efforts aimed at improving employability and fostering sustainable livelihoods, Worden HCD Limited recently concluded the Youth Innovation, Enterprise and Livelihood Development (YIELD) Project, a transformative youth empowerment initiative.

The project was implemented in partnership with Access Bank Plc and Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Wealth Creation and Employment.

 

The four-week intensive programme equipped 1,330 unemployed and underemployed young people across Lagos with practical vocational, entrepreneurship and financial management skills.

 

Specifically, participants were trained in high-demand vocational and creative sectors including solar PV installation and maintenance, CCTV Installation, fashion design, adire (tie and dye), crocheting and bag making.

 

There was also an extensive entrepreneurship curriculum covering financial literacy, business planning, branding, digital business tools, customer acquisition, pricing strategies, bookkeeping, business registration and market acess.

 

In her speech, Chief Operating Officer and Team Lead at Worden HCD Limited Abasi Ifreke Brendan, disclosed, “at Worden HCD, we believe that true empowerment goes beyond skills acquisition. It is about equipping young people with the mindset, confidence, business knowledge and support systems required to build sustainable enterprises that can create lasting economic value.”

 

To her, “the YIELD Project demonstrates what becomes possible when government, the private sector and development organisations work together with a shared vision. Every young person we trained represents a future business owner, employer, innovator and contributor to Lagos State’s economic prosperity. Our objective is not simply to train people—it is to build resilient entrepreneurs who will strengthen local economies, create employment opportunities and inspire the next generation.”

 

In conclusion, she assured, “we remain committed to developing human capital that is globally competitive while solving local economic challenges. This project is another step towards building a workforce that is innovative, productive and equipped for the future of work.”

 

On his part, the Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Wealth Creation and Employment Tijani Oluwadare observed the future of Lagos depends on how effectively young people are prepared for productive economic participation.

 

Saying initiatives such as the YIELD Project align with the state government’s commitment to creating pathways for employment, entrepreneurship and wealth creation, he added, “by investing in practical skills and enterprise development, we are building a generation of young people who can contribute meaningfully to the growth and competitiveness of Lagos State.”

 

Speaking further, Oluwadare noted that partnerships between government, development organisations and responsible private sector institutions remain essential to expanding opportunities for young people across the state.

 

Through initiatives that promote innovation, enterprise development and economic participation, Access Bank remains focused on equipping young Nigerians with the resources, knowledge and opportunities required to build sustainable businesses and contribute to national development.

 

The YIELD Project contributes to broader national and state development priorities by strengthening youth employability, reducing poverty and expanding opportunities for enterprise creation.

 

Similarly, Worden HCD Limited remains committed to expanding access to quality vocational education, entrepreneurship development and workforce readiness programmes through strategic partnerships with government institutions, development organisations, private sector stakeholders and community leaders.