The Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe, has revealed that the Sanwo-Olu administration has directly impacted 8,633 lives through various wealth creation initiatives in the past year.
Ajigbotafe made this known on Wednesday during the ongoing annual Ministerial Press Briefing at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja. The briefing is part of activities commemorating the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.
According to the Commissioner, the strategic interventions were designed to address unemployment, foster inclusive economic growth, and equip residents with practical skills to promote entrepreneurship and drive job creation across the State.
Giving a breakdown of the figures, Ajigbotafe said 2,383 beneficiaries were engaged through the Graduate Internship Placement Programme (GIPP), 1,425 individuals were empowered with Point-of-Sale (POS) machines, and 4,825 residents received a stipend of N120,000 under the Federal Government’s NG-CARES Social Transfer Programme.
Describing GIPP as a resounding success, the Commissioner stated that the initiative was aimed at reducing youth unemployment by placing graduates in internships after a three-week soft skills training.
Each intern received a monthly stipend of N30,000 to support transportation and other basic needs. The three-month internship, he said, not only provided valuable experience for participants but also supported business growth through access to skilled manpower.
In addition, the Commissioner disclosed that a specialized ICT training programme for unemployed graduates was implemented, with Microsoft certification and free laptops provided to empower participants and encourage self-reliance.
Ajigbotafe also noted that the empowerment of 1,425 residents with POS machines was aimed at promoting digital transactions and reducing reliance on cash.
Highlighting support for artisans and tradesmen, he commended the government’s commitment to upskilling this vital segment of the workforce.
He further acknowledged Governor Sanwo-Olu’s donation of a 32-seater Hyundai bus to the Lagos State Council of Tradesmen and Artisans and the allocation of three hectares of land at the Ganyingbo Private Development Scheme in Badagry for the construction of their secretariat.
The Commissioner also applauded the Federal Government’s NG-CARES programme, implemented in collaboration with the World Bank, for its role in rebuilding lives and supporting small businesses.
He said 4,825 beneficiaries received N120,000 stipends over one year in seven LGAs/LCDAs: Itire-Ikate, Coker-Aguda, Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye, Eti-Osa, Mushin, Onigbongbo, and Ojodu. The recipients were selected from the Lagos State Social Register and coordinated by the Ministry.
Ajigbotafe therefore, urged all beneficiaries to use the support prudently to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the State’s economic growth.