In a major stride towards combating youth unemployment, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, announced the launch of the Upskilling Program (LAG-UP) yesterday. The announcement took place during a press conference in the Ministry of Youth’s conference room, where Hon. Ogunlende was joined by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, key management staff, and esteemed partners.
The LAG-UP initiative is a pioneering program aimed at empowering young Lagosians aged 18 to 35 with cutting-edge virtual training over a period of at least three months. In collaboration with Wema Bank PLC and GFA Technologies, the program promises to provide participants with valuable certifications from prestigious partners such as Google, Microsoft, Meta, and AWS.
Hon. Ogunlende expressed profound gratitude to Wema Bank PLC for their generous support, which covers 75% of the training costs, making the program accessible to a larger number of youths. He highlighted that participants will benefit from hands-on training in the latest technologies, mentorship from industry experts, and the opportunity to work on projects that address real-world challenges.
“This program is a significant step in our ongoing efforts to tackle youth unemployment and provide our young people with the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving job market,” said Ogunlende. He emphasized that the initiative is not only about skill development but also about fostering innovation and economic growth within the state.
The LAG-UP initiative reflects the state’s commitment to productive collaborations and aligns with the Sanwo-Olu administration’s THEMES+ agenda, which focuses on youth empowerment, development, and social inclusion. Ogunlende underscored the importance of such programs in building a robust future for Lagos, where young people are equipped to thrive in a digital economy.
Participants in the LAG-UP program will engage in comprehensive training modules and receive certifications that can significantly enhance their employability. The initiative aims to empower one million youths in phases, marking a transformative step in the state’s approach to youth development.
Interested individuals are encouraged to visit [www.gfa-tech.com/projects/lagup](http://www.gfa-tech.com/projects/lagup) to register. Registration opens at midnight on Saturday, June 22, 2024. This initiative not only brings hope to the youth of Lagos but also sets a benchmark for other regions in addressing the pressing issue of youth unemployment.
