In a strong push to revive and reposition vocational and technical education in Lagos State, kakalistiq.com reports that Comrade Giwa Murtala Moore, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Technical and Vocational Education, has sparked optimism through the Lagos Youths Skill Day celebration held yesterday at The Events Center, Ikeja.
The event, themed “Equipping Tomorrow’s Leaders With Skills For a Brighter Future,” was organized by Moore’s office in collaboration with the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB). It attracted key stakeholders including investors, industry experts, students from state-owned technical colleges, and education advocates.
In a show of support, the Executive Secretary of LASTVEB, Mrs. Moronke Azeez, commended the initiative and underlined the growing interest among Lagosians in technical education.
“Every year, we celebrate the skills day and the reason is to encourage, to motivate and to ensure that there’s awareness created in terms of having people or students wanting to go into technical college… Five additional technical colleges are going to be built over the next five years…”
She emphasized the growing demand from parents and students alike who now see technical colleges as a pathway to self-reliance, gainful employment, and long-term sustainability.
Adding her voice, Mrs. Feyisola Abiru, a seasoned furniture entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience, described the initiative as a vital step that will inspire more youths to embrace vocational paths. She assured that such training offers realistic routes to financial independence.
Real estate expert Dr. Saheed Mosadoluwa also lent his story as inspiration, recounting his humble start as a bricklayer before rising in the real estate industry. He advised youths to avoid social vices and instead channel their energy into acquiring valuable trades that could transform their lives and communities.
Comrade Giwa Moore, the brain behind the celebration, reaffirmed the goal of the event and its alignment with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s broader vision.
“To create awareness about skills development. It’s to let the people know that we need to move away from white collar jobs… No, we want people who are really interested in skills acquisition and development and that’s why we’re here today to create awareness…”
He further explained: “The expected outcome is for us to get more support from private sponsors such as the German GIZ, AHA and others. Part of our expectations is to get more technical colleges and just like it was said today, the idea is already in the pipeline as backed by Mr. Governor.”
Moore expressed gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu, his team at LASTVEB, and partners like Mrs. Feyisola Abiru and Mr. Saheed Ibile for their roles in making the event a success.
With fresh commitments and renewed interest, the Lagos Youths Skill Day initiative may very well mark a turning point in reshaping the future of skills acquisition and technical education in the state.
