LG chairman urges youths to acquire vocational skills

Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area’s Executive Chairman, Usman Hamzat, has called on young people in the state to take proactive steps towards acquiring vocational skills, rather than relying solely on the pursuit of traditional white-collar employment opportunities.

Chairman Usman Hamzat made this statement on Tuesday while addressing the press at a media briefing held to mark his third anniversary in office, at the Ifako Local Government Secretariat.

Hamzat acknowledged the right to protest, but stressed the importance of peaceful assembly, warning against looting and property damage, ahead of the August 1 demonstration.

He said, “The truth is that the government cannot do it all. We all have a role to play. We want to call on youths to embrace vocational skills and not wait for white-collar jobs.

“When I was in the university, we had a six-month strike and during that period, I learnt a skill and it sustained me. So, that is why we engage youths in order to have a source of income.”

Also speaking at the event, the Vice Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye LG, Akerele Awoniyi, lamented that residents who emptied solid wastes in drains had contributed to flooding incidents in the area.

“We have done much to alleviate flooding by dredging rivers and desilting drainages each month, but what we observe is that some people still pour their trash into drains whenever it rains. If you see these activities, please report them to the council,” she stated.

The Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, in partnership with GFA Technologies and Wema Bank Plc, introduced the Lagos State Upskill Programme in June. This initiative seeks to address the digital skills gap and empower young individuals in the state with the necessary skills for independence and self-sufficiency.

At the launch event held at Alausa, Commissioner Mobolaji Ogunlende highlighted the programme’s importance in driving innovation and expanding learning opportunities for young individuals and small businesses throughout the state, emphasizing its potential to unlock their full potential.