The Lagos State Government, in a remarkable display of commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable economic growth, celebrated the graduation of 250 skilled and resilient young people from the Girls Improving Resilience Through Livelihood and Health (GIRL-H) Project.
Kakalistiq.com reports that the momentous close-out ceremony organized in partnership with Mercy Corps and Action Health Incorporated, took place on Wednesday, July 19th, 2023 at the prestigious Lagos Theater Epe, capturing the essence of the government’s vision for a prosperous and resilient future.
The keynote address delivered by Professor Adeniran Kasali, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Special Adviser on Education (OSAE) to the Governor of Lagos State, highlighted the significance of the occasion and underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to providing viable alternatives to traditional employment through skill acquisition and vocational training.
“As we celebrate the graduation of these 250 exceptional young people, we witness the tangible results of our efforts to build a stronger and sustainable economy through skill development,” remarked Professor Kasali.
He commended the strategic partnership with the Lagos State Agency for Mass Education and various organizations, which contributed to the success of the GIRL-H Project, fostering a culture of collaboration between the public and private sectors.
The Permanent Secretary emphasized the importance of skill acquisition and vocational training, noting that this approach has propelled developed economies such as China, Japan, and America to the forefront of the global economic landscape.
He added that the Lagos State Government’s focus on nurturing a highly skilled workforce, especially among youth, is a testament to its dedication to transforming the state into an economic powerhouse.
Highlighting the success stories of graduates from the GIRL-H Project, Professor Kasali underlined the critical role played by technology and innovation in today’s competitive business world. “Our graduates must embrace ICT proficiency and continuously nurture their creative and innovative thinking. This will enable them to excel in their chosen fields and attract opportunities for growth and patronage,” he advised.
Governor Babajide Sanwoolu’s visionary leadership was commended for driving the state’s economic growth and implementing essential reforms across critical sectors. The Permanent Secretary proudly revealed that the Lagos State Agency for Mass Education has trained over 7,000 individuals in various vocations free of charge since 2019, demonstrating the government’s commitment to providing accessible and quality education for all.
Professor Kasali revealed the government’s plan to provide start-up capital through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund to further support the graduates’ entrepreneurial aspirations. He encouraged the youths to leverage this opportunity to turn their newly acquired skills into successful businesses, enhancing their self-sufficiency and contributing to the state’s economic growth.
He averred that the GIRL-H Project’s resounding success would not have been possible without the support and collaboration of partnering organizations such as Mercy Corps, and Action Health Incorporated. Their dedication to building the resilience of the youth through skill acquisition and vocational training aligns seamlessly with the government’s vision for a thriving and dynamic Lagos State, he added.
The Lagos State Government expressed its gratitude to all stakeholders, highlighting their crucial role in making the GIRL-H Project a transformative force in the lives of the youths and the community of Epe.
The government called on other NGOs to follow suit and create programs that empower young entrepreneurs, to amplify the impact on the state’s economic landscape.
