On Thursday, September 11, 2025, the vibrant city of Ikeja, Lagos, played host to the 2025 Lagos State Job Fair, a transformative event organized by the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment. Held at the iconic Blue Roof venue within the premises of Lagos Television in Agidingbi, the fair attracted over 300 organizations and more than 5,000 job seekers, underscoring its significance as a pivotal platform for connecting talent with opportunities. The event, a cornerstone of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Development Agenda, reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s unwavering commitment to empowering its youth with the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive in a dynamic and competitive economy.
A Vision for an Inclusive Economy
Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, delivered a compelling address that highlighted the administration’s dedication to building an inclusive economy where no talent is wasted. The theme of the 2025 Job Fair, “Your Career, Your Way: Explore Endless Possibilities,” resonated deeply with the aspirations of Lagos’ youth, reflecting the state’s vision of fostering an environment where every individual can chart their own path to success.
The Governor emphasized that youth empowerment remains a core pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Development Agenda, which stands for Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy, Entertainment and Tourism, and Security and Governance, with the “Plus” representing social inclusion, gender equality, and youth empowerment. This agenda has guided the state’s policies and programs, ensuring that young people are equipped with the tools to compete in today’s fast-evolving global economy.
“Our goal is to prepare young people not just for the jobs of today, but for the opportunities of tomorrow,” Governor Sanwo-Olu stated through his representative. He outlined the administration’s multifaceted approach to youth empowerment, which includes significant investments in vocational training, digital literacy, entrepreneurship support, and job creation initiatives. These efforts are designed to bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring that Lagos’ youth are not only employable but also capable of driving innovation and economic growth.
Strategic Interventions for Job Creation
The Lagos State Government has made remarkable strides in addressing unemployment and fostering economic opportunities. According to a statement by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, the administration has created over 200,000 jobs in the past four years through direct and indirect interventions. These achievements are the result of deliberate policies and programs aimed at empowering young people and supporting small businesses.
Key among these initiatives is the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), which has disbursed billions of naira to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and young entrepreneurs. The fund provides low-interest loans, grants, and mentorship programs to help budding business owners scale their operations and create jobs. By fostering entrepreneurship, the LSETF has empowered countless young Lagosians to turn their ideas into viable businesses, contributing to the state’s economic dynamism.
Another flagship program is the Graduate Internship Placement Programme (GIPP), which offers young graduates the opportunity to gain practical work experience in various industries. The program bridges the gap between academic training and professional requirements, equipping participants with the skills and networks needed to secure long-term employment. Similarly, the Ready-Set-Work (RSW) initiative has been instrumental in preparing final-year students and recent graduates for the job market through intensive training in employability skills, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy.
The state’s commitment to vocational training has also been a game-changer. The establishment of vocational training centers across Lagos has provided young people with practical skills in trades such as carpentry, tailoring, welding, and technology-driven fields like coding and digital marketing. The newly commissioned Leather Hub in Mushin is a prime example of this commitment, offering specialized training in leatherworks and footwear production, industries with significant potential for job creation and export revenue.
The Urgency of Youth Empowerment
Hon. Ajigbotafe emphasized the critical importance of investing in Lagos’ youth, noting that the state is home to Africa’s largest youth population. “Failure to create opportunities for our young people would mean failure for the state itself,” he warned. This statement underscores the urgency of addressing youth unemployment, which poses both economic and social challenges. By prioritizing job creation and skills development, the Lagos State Government is not only fostering economic growth but also promoting social stability and inclusivity.
The Commissioner highlighted the economic impact of the administration’s interventions, noting that the billions of naira disbursed through the LSETF have catalyzed the growth of small businesses and created a ripple effect of job opportunities. These businesses, ranging from tech startups to artisanal enterprises, have become vital contributors to Lagos’ economy, which is often described as the fifth largest in Africa.
Collaborative Efforts for Success
The success of the 2025 Job Fair was a testament to the power of collaboration between the government, private sector, and other stakeholders. The Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Housing, Mr. Toriola Abdulafeez, called on all stakeholders to support the government’s wealth creation programs. He emphasized that the collective effort of employers, educational institutions, and development partners is essential for sustaining the momentum of youth empowerment initiatives.
The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, Esv. Wasiu Adebayo Olayinka, also commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his visionary leadership. He expressed gratitude to the employers, development partners, and job seekers who participated in the fair, noting that their engagement was crucial to its success. The fair’s ability to attract over 300 organizations from diverse sectors—ranging from information and communication technology (ICT) to finance, manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, media, and creative industries—demonstrated the private sector’s confidence in Lagos as a hub for talent and innovation.
Addressing the Skills-Industry Mismatch
The keynote address, delivered by Mr. Oluyemi Ejidiran, former Managing Director of Wemabod Estates Limited, provided a thought-provoking perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing young job seekers. Describing the job fair as “a movement to restore dignity and unlock value for young people,” Ejidiran highlighted the persistent mismatch between the skills possessed by graduates and the needs of industries. This gap, he argued, is a significant barrier to employment and economic growth.
To address this issue, Ejidiran called for stronger collaboration between the government, employers, and educational institutions. He advocated for curriculum reforms that align with industry demands, as well as increased investment in practical training programs. “You may be jobless today, but you are not useless,” he told the participants, encouraging them to remain proactive and intentional in their pursuit of opportunities. “Opportunity favors the prepared—so prepare, show up, and be intentional.”
Ejidiran’s message resonated with the thousands of young job seekers and entrepreneurs in attendance, many of whom were eager to connect with employers and explore career opportunities. His call for preparation and resilience served as a rallying cry for the youth to take ownership of their futures and leverage the resources provided by the state government.
A Platform for Connection and Collaboration
The 2025 Job Fair was more than just a recruitment event; it was a dynamic platform for fostering public-private sector collaboration and connecting talent with opportunities. The fair featured a panel session moderated by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Establishment and Training, Mrs. Olubusola Abidakun. The panel included prominent figures such as the Chairman of the Lagos State Civil Service Commission, Mrs. Boladele Dapo-Thomas, who shared insights on navigating the job market and building sustainable careers.
The participation of over 300 organizations underscored the diversity of opportunities available in Lagos. Companies from sectors such as ICT, finance, healthcare, logistics, and the creative industries were present, offering a wide range of roles for job seekers with varying skills and qualifications. The presence of more than 5,000 young attendees, including recent graduates, entrepreneurs, and mid-career professionals, highlighted the event’s broad appeal and its role as a catalyst for economic inclusion.
The fair provided job seekers with the opportunity to engage directly with employers, participate in interviews, and learn about industry trends. For entrepreneurs, it offered a platform to network with potential investors, partners, and mentors. The event also featured workshops and training sessions on resume writing, interview skills, and entrepreneurship, equipping participants with the tools to succeed in a competitive job market.
Economic and Social Impacts
The 2025 Lagos State Job Fair is expected to have far-reaching economic and social impacts. By connecting thousands of job seekers with employers, the fair is poised to reduce unemployment rates and stimulate economic activity. The jobs created through the fair and related initiatives will contribute to household incomes, boost consumer spending, and drive economic growth.
Moreover, the focus on entrepreneurship and skills development aligns with Lagos’ ambition to become a 21st-century economy. The state’s investment in digital literacy and vocational training is preparing young people for the jobs of the future, particularly in emerging fields such as technology, renewable energy, and creative industries. Programs like the Leather Hub in Mushin are creating new economic opportunities in non-traditional sectors, diversifying the state’s economic base and reducing reliance on oil revenue.
Socially, the job fair promotes inclusion by providing opportunities for young people from diverse backgrounds. By prioritizing youth empowerment, the Lagos State Government is fostering a sense of hope and agency among its citizens, particularly those from underserved communities. The event’s emphasis on collaboration also strengthens the relationship between the public and private sectors, creating a more cohesive and supportive ecosystem for economic development.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the job fair represents a significant step forward, it also highlights the challenges facing Lagos’ youth. The skills-industry mismatch, as noted by Ejidiran, remains a critical issue that requires sustained effort to address. Educational institutions must work closely with industries to ensure that graduates are equipped with relevant skills, while employers must provide opportunities for on-the-job training and mentorship.
The sheer scale of Lagos’ youth population—Africa’s largest—presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The state must continue to scale its programs to meet the growing demand for jobs and skills training. At the same time, this demographic advantage positions Lagos as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, with the potential to drive economic growth across the region.
A Model for the Future
The 2025 Lagos State Job Fair is a testament to the power of visionary leadership and strategic collaboration. Under Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration, Lagos has emerged as a model for youth empowerment and economic inclusion in Africa. The fair’s success reinforces the state’s commitment to making it a flagship platform for connecting talent with opportunities, a commitment that is likely to endure in the years to come.
As Lagos continues to invest in its youth, the state is laying the foundation for a prosperous and inclusive future. The T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Development Agenda provides a roadmap for achieving these goals, with initiatives like the Job Fair serving as critical milestones. By empowering young people with skills, opportunities, and resources, Lagos is not only transforming lives but also positioning itself as a global leader in economic development.
Conclusion
The 2025 Lagos State Job Fair was a resounding success, bringing together over 300 organizations and 5,000 job seekers in a vibrant celebration of opportunity and ambition. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has demonstrated its commitment to youth empowerment through strategic programs like the LSETF, Graduate Internship Placement Programme, and Ready-Set-Work initiative. By addressing the skills-industry mismatch and fostering public-private sector collaboration, Lagos is creating a brighter future for its youth and solidifying its position as Africa’s economic powerhouse.
As the state continues to invest in vocational training, entrepreneurship, and job creation, the 2025 Job Fair will be remembered as a pivotal moment in Lagos’ journey toward economic inclusion and sustainable development. With the theme “Your Career, Your Way: Explore Endless Possibilities,” the event has inspired a new generation of Lagosians to seize opportunities, pursue their dreams, and contribute to the state’s vibrant economy.
