Lagos Unveils 1,000 Jobs for Young Graduates Under Internship Programme.
The Lagos State Government has announced plans to create 1,000 new jobs for young graduates through its Graduate Internship Placement Programme (GIPP). The initiative was unveiled on Wednesday at the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment Stakeholders’ Forum 2025, held in Ikeja.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said the programme was part of efforts to reduce unemployment and equip young people with skills to thrive in a changing job market. He urged stakeholders across all sectors to collaborate with government in building sustainable pathways for youth employment.
Speaking at the forum, themed “Passion to Prosperity: Unlocking Youth Potential in Lagos”, Sanwo-Olu highlighted the energy and creativity of young people across the state — from tech innovators in Yaba to fashion entrepreneurs in Ikeja, music creators in Surulere, and agribusinesses in Epe.
“Our youths are dynamic, driven and eager to make a difference,” he said.
“We must nurture that passion, provide direction, and turn it into real results. That is why government is committed to creating an environment where education, mentorship, funding and opportunities can help them blossom.”
Sanwo-Olu stressed that entrepreneurship should be seen not merely as an alternative to white-collar jobs, but as a strong driver of innovation and wealth creation. He emphasised the need for mentorship and collaboration between young talents and experienced professionals.
Guest speaker Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir, President of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), underscored the urgency of youth empowerment.
“Job creation is not charity; it is economic survival,” he said.
“Youth empowerment is not CSR; it is national security. Every idle youth is an opportunity lost, but every empowered youth is GDP gained.”
He urged business leaders to create opportunities for young people in their organisations, adding: “Let us move from profit first to people first, because the return on investing in people is exponential.”
Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, described the forum as a strategic platform to transform youthful passion into prosperity. The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Adebayo Olayinka, assured participants that government would study their contributions and implement workable solutions for job creation.
