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Tag: LSETF

  • 305 Young Lagosians. 29 Employers. One Room. The LSETF Career Expo 2026 Delivers on Its Promise

    305 Young Lagosians. 29 Employers. One Room. The LSETF Career Expo 2026 Delivers on Its Promise

    The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), with support from the Skills Development for Youth Employment Programme (SKYE II), implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on behalf of the German and Swiss governments, successfully hosted the Career Expo 2026 on Tuesday 12th May, 2026 at Maryland, Lagos, bringing together over 300 participants and 29 employers in a full-day event designed to connect skilled talent directly to employment opportunities.

    The event brought together trained young people aged 18 to 40, including recent graduates, NYSC members, and job seekers who have completed training under the Employability Support Project implemented by LSETF as part of the SKYE II programme. Employers represented a broad range of sectors including technology, finance, creative industries, consulting, logistics, customer service, and business support services, creating a dynamic environment for recruitment, networking, and career advancement.

    The event venue was filled to capacity as participants arrived with CVs in hand, eager to seize new opportunities and make their moment count. Panel sessions sparked lively and engaging discussions, with participants asking insightful questions and leaving with a renewed sense of direction and clarity about their career paths. Throughout the day, participants engaged in interviews, career conversations, employer engagement sessions, CV reviews, and networking opportunities designed to bridge the gap between training and employment. Several employers conducted on-the-spot interviews, while many participants received callback confirmations, internship opportunities, and advancement to the next stage of the recruitment process.

    The Career Expo takes place at an important moment in the relationship between Germany and Nigeria. Following the German-Nigerian Business Day, which took place on May 11th and gathered industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to strengthen bilateral ties in areas such as energy, technology, and skills development, the LSETF Career Expo serves as a practical example of what this partnership can achieve with creation of opportunities for participants.

    Speaking at the event, Feyisayo Alayande, Executive Secretary, LSETF stated: “Today is proof that training alone is not enough. What young people need is the room where employers are sitting, where conversations happen, and where careers begin. That is what we have built today.”

    Svjetlana Djokic, Programme Component Manager at the Skills Development for Youth Employment Programme (SKYE II), GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS added: “Our shared goal is straightforward: to ensure that young people in Lagos State are equipped with job skills relevant to labour market needs and are connected with meaningful employment opportunities. Working in close partnership with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment and private sector partners, we brought key stakeholders together on one platform to foster valuable connections and take a significant step towards reducing unemployment and driving inclusive local economic growth in Lagos State”

    Also highlighting the valuable importance of the training, Nwanne Nwonwu, Founder, The Talent Pipeline Company, stated that “I would like to commend the organizers for putting together an impactful and well-timed career forum. It was valuable engaging with diverse job seekers, especially youth corps members beginning their professional journeys, while also identifying potential talent for our clients. The panel sessions were insightful and practical, and we encourage more initiatives like this to help young people navigate their career paths and employment opportunities.”

    A Strengthened Partnership

    The LSETF Career Expo 2026 marks another significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between GIZ and LSETF in advancing youth employment and economic inclusion across Lagos State. Funded by the German and Swiss governments, the partnership reflects a shared conviction that the gap between skilled talent and meaningful employment is not inevitable, it is solvable.

    As both organisations look ahead, The Career Expo reaffirms a shared commitment to scaling this model and connecting more young Lagosians to more employers, and proving that with the right partnerships, youth unemployment in Lagos is a challenge that can be solved.

    The Employability Support Project, implemented by LSETF, has supported so far more than 1,500 youth across Lagos  including women, people with disabilities, job seekers, and entrepreneurs through employability training, career coaching, entrepreneurship support, workplace readiness programmes, mentorship, and industry engagement.

    Today’s Career Expo is the culmination of that investment, putting trained talent directly in front of the employers who need them.

  • Sanwo-Olu Affirms Administration’s Commitment to supporting Micro, Small Business Owners

    Sanwo-Olu Affirms Administration’s Commitment to supporting Micro, Small Business Owners

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the growth of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs to boost the state’s economy.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu stated this at the opening ceremony of the first edition of the Lagos MSMEs Exclusive and Eko Roundcity Trade Fair held at the national stadium, Surulere.

    Sanwo-Olu who was represented by the Chairman, House Committee on Commerce, Cooperative, Trade and Investment, Hon. Abiodun Tobun said that the MSMEs play important roles in keeping the state’s economy going, stressing that Lagos generates about 30 to 35% of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, with $259 billion worth of economy.

    Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the role of local traders in ‘Balogun and Alaba, fashion designers in Surulere and Yaba, tech founders in Lekki and Ikeja, agro processors in Epe and Ikorodu, and thousands of artisans and professionals whose daily work keeps Lagos productive, competitive and attractive for investment.’

    “This is why my administration considers support for MSMEs not as a side programme, but as a central pillar of our development agenda.

    We are renewing a clear commitment to those who keep the Lagos economy moving, the thousands of small businesses that create value in every street, market and industrial cluster across our State,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    He commended organisers of the Eko Roundcity Trade Fair adding that at least 3,000 MSMEs from all parts of the State will have the opportunity to showcase their products and services.

    The governor further said that through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, LSETF, about 40,000 MSMEs have been supported financially while about 200,000 direct and indirect jobs have been created.

    In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperative, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folasade Bada Ambrose said the business community has been at the forefront of commercial growth in Nigeria adding that Lagos, as the economic centre of Nigeria with over 20million residents and thousands of businesses, contributes to the national GDP.

    She noted that Lagos State has invested in strengthening the trade and investment climate through market development, industrial hubs, enterprise support programmes, and reforms that improve market access for small businesses.

    The commissioner further said that the Fair would afford artisans, petty traders, informal-sector players, micro-businesses and MSMEs to showcase their products and services while also promoting capacity building and business growth.

    “We are strengthening grassroots economic activity, stimulating trade, generating jobs, and supporting the gradual formalisation of informal enterprises. This fair will help MSMEs gain visibility, increase revenue, and build long-term commercial relationships. It also gives the public a chance to discover the creativity and quality of products made in Lagos,” Bada Ambrose said.

    According to the commissioner, the Fair will also promote local production and in turn reduce dependence on imported goods.

    She commended MSMEs for contributing to job creation and the four local governments; Surulere, Lagos Mainland, Apapa, and Eti-Osa for supporting the Fair.

    “The idea of the ‘Round City’ reflects our collective resolve to unify these diverse localities, linking the energy of Lagos Island, the industrious spirit of Apapa, the vibrant heartbeat of Surulere, the lively bustle of Lagos Mainland, and the rapidly emerging business corridors of Eti-Osa, into one inclusive marketplace.”

    Lagos believes in collaborative progress, where the government, the private sector, and citizens work together to build prosperity,” she said.

    In his presentation, the Keynote speaker, Dr. Segun Kuti-George, emphasised the need for MSMEs to embolden their entrepreneurial mindset and work towards growing the economy.

    He delved into how entrepreneurs could make sense of the world around them, develop skills required to develop entrepreneurial mindset and scale up robust innovations to create and sustain an enterprise in an ever-changing and unstable business environment.

    Chairman of the Fair, Ogboni Fuad Oki, described the initiative as a bridge between government and the grassroots, stressing that it marks a new chapter of empowerment for small businesses and demonstrates what partnership and shared purpose can achieve

    The Eko Roundcity Trade Fair is not just an event; it is an emerging institution, a bridge between government and the grassroots; a catalyst for economic renewal, a marketplace of ideas, creativity, and opportunity.. This inaugural edition is a testament to what partnership, innovation, and shared purpose can achieve,” Oki said.

  • Lagos Innovates and AfriGloCal VC Celebrate Second Female Founders and Funders Demo Day

    Lagos Innovates and AfriGloCal VC Celebrate Second Female Founders and Funders Demo Day

    The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) through its Lagos Innovates program in partnership with AfriGloCal VC and with the support of the GIZ Digital Transformation Center hosted the Demo Day for the second edition of the Female Founders and Funders Program on Friday, July 11, 2025.  

    This event marked the conclusion of an inspiring eight-week journey for 17 female startup founders and 20 aspiring female funders, who through workshops, mentorship, peer-to-pear learning developed critical skills for scaling businesses, strengthen their networks, and unlock access to funding opportunities.  

    In his opening remarks, Ifeoluwa Martins, Head of Startups at Lagos Innovates, spoke on the evolution and impact of the program. “This second cohort has taken the vision of the Female Founders and Funders Program to new heights. Over the past eight weeks, we’ve seen remarkable resilience, bold ideas, and a commitment to innovation further solidifying Lagos Innovates’ role as a catalyst in building a robust startup ecosystem. This reinforces LSETF’s commitment to showcase innovation and close the gender gap in technology and investment.” he said.  

    Mope Abudu, Managing General Partner at AfriGloCal VC, reflected on the broader vision of the initiative. “This program goes beyond training. It is about creating a strong pipeline of women who are ready to lead, invest, and scale businesses that solve real problems. Seeing this second cohort pitch, collaborate, and grow has been truly inspiring,” she stated. 

    Feyisayo Alayande, Executive Secretary, LSETF, emphasized the Fund’s commitment to advancing women-led enterprises. “Today is both a celebration and a renewed call to action. We must keep creating an ecosystem that backs women, builds women, and bets on women. At LSETF, we remain fully committed to providing opportunities for them to thrive, scale, and shape the future of Lagos and beyond,” she affirmed. 

    Gbeke Oshinowo, Technical Advisor on Digital and Entrepreneurial Skills for Women and at GIZ Digital Transformation Center, commended the participants for their bold contributions to inclusive innovation: “At GIZ-DTC, we believe that empowering women in tech and entrepreneurship is key to building resilient and future-ready economies. Each of these women is rewriting the narrative of what’s possible for women in technology and business in Nigeria, and we are proud to support programs that unlock this kind of transformation.” 

    Representing the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Claudiana Sanwo-Olu, Oyinkan Osiyemi acknowledged the progress made since the inception of the program. “Being part of the first Female Founders and Funders Program and standing here today at its second edition shows how far we have come and how much more we can achieve. When women are given the tools, mentorship, and opportunities, they not only grow, they uplift communities and shape the future,” she noted. 

    Mrs. Adepeju Adebajo, Acting Board Chair of LSETF, highlighted the transformative power of female leadership. “When women are involved in business, they don’t just participate, they transform and innovate. Their ideas, resilience, and leadership bring new solutions to the table and drive meaningful change across industries.” she remarked. 

    Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Secretary to the Lagos State Government, reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive economic growth. “Empowering women is smart economics and a catalyst for progress. Programs like this align with our vision to create opportunities for women to thrive in business, technology, and beyond. Partnerships between the public and private sectors will remain central to achieving these goals,” she said. 

    The highlight of the day was a live pitch session by six promising startups: Ule Homes, House of Zibima, Hub Pharm Africa, Wakamedics, Varsity Africa, and Autogirl. Each founder demonstrated creativity, market insight, and business resilience. Wakamedics emerged as the overall winner, with Hub Pharm Africa and Ule Homes taking first and second runner-up positions respectively. All three received cash prizes to support the growth of their ventures. 

    The Demo Day attracted key figures from government, the private sector, development organizations, and the innovation ecosystem, all united by a common goal to promote inclusion and strengthen opportunities for women in tech. 

    As this edition concludes, the Female Founders and Funders Program continues to stand as a vital platform for equipping women with the tools to lead, invest, and create solutions that transform industries. It remains a strong example of how collaboration can build a more inclusive innovation economy for Lagos and beyond.

  • Sahara Foundation Partners LSETF, Wecyclers to Promote Environmental Sustainability in Lagos State

    Sahara Foundation Partners LSETF, Wecyclers to Promote Environmental Sustainability in Lagos State

    Sahara Foundation and Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) have announced their strategic partnership geared towards rolling out a series of recycling exchange hubs across 12 local government areas in Lagos state. 

    This project, which is being implemented by Wecyclers, a social enterprise with expertise in recycling, is aimed at promoting responsible environmental stewardship and encouraging the adoption of recycling as a socio-cultural practice to drive desired behavioral change in waste management in the state. 

    In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 11 and 17 which speak to Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Partnerships for the Goals, this tripartite partnership will help promote a sustainable Lagos, create job opportunities, empower host communities, strengthen the economy, increase access to healthcare and improve lives and livelihoods across the state.  

    Speaking on the partnership, Ejiro Gray, Director, Sahara Foundation said; “At Sahara foundation, one of our key pillars is supporting and promoting sustainable societies. With this partnership, we are helping to create viable communities across the state by fostering a sustainable and circular economy through recycling”.  

    Gray further stated that the roll out of these recycle exchange hubs will help empower members of the community by educating them of the benefits of recycling and providing them with the opportunity to capture value from their waste through incentive-based recycling. Gray commended the partners for their commitment to promoting sustainability and supporting a green Lagos.   

    Also speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary, LSETF, Teju Abisoye, in her remarks, said, “The partnership is strategic to scale waste to wealth creation in Lagos State. She added that the project is dear to LSETF as it is the first primary project of the Fund in the green energy space and a start to creating a million Jobs that is guaranteed to promote a sustainable Lagos for many”. Abisoye stated that LSETF is fully committed to empowering Lagos residents, and establishing these recycling exchange hubs will help provide economic opportunities for the host communities.   

    Also addressing guests at the event, the Managing Director, Wecyclers, Olawale Adebiyi said ‘’This partnership with Sahara Foundation and The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund is a big leap in our effort in promoting sustainable environments in Nigeria”. Adebiyi added that he is very positive about the impact this would have in the state and thanked both Sahara Foundation and LSETF for trusting Wecyclers to implement the project.  

    Sahara Foundation, the corporate social responsibility vehicle for leading energy and infrastructure conglomerate, Sahara Group, is committed to improving lives and livelihoods across Africa. Sahara Foundation continues to support projects and invest in partnerships that will help build sustainable societies and promote widespread development across Sahara Group’s r host communities.  

  • NBCC, Edufirst NG Urge Stakeholders to Embrace Transformative Education

    NBCC, Edufirst NG Urge Stakeholders to Embrace Transformative Education

    With technology rapidly evolving and the rising need to upscale educational models to effectively reawaken the long search for transformative education, built on the tripod of digitalization, education financing, and the future of work, the Learning, Education, and Training (LET) Group of the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) in Partnership with EduFirst.ng hosted the Fourth African EduTech Conference themed “Africa’s EduTech Model: Reshaping you for the Future” to advocate this concern.

    Recounting the global impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the learning population, the President and Chairman of the Council, NBCC – Bisi Adeyemi, stated that “this unexpected global event caused a huge shift in the way Africans access learning tools as the majority of schools had to adapt to the learning-from-home education model, which makes the topic, Africa’s Edutech Model: Reshaping You For The Future, a timely discourse.”

    She expressed her confidence that “this eminent assembly of subject matter experts will provide diverse and illuminating perspectives which would open our minds to the tremendous opportunities for growth and development in the education sector”

    In her keynote address, Celine Lafoucriere, Chief, UNICEF Lagos Office, noted that “Education has faced significant difficulties around the world and even before COVID…” The future lies in educators’ professional growth and capacity-building efforts that promote in-person, online, and digital learning.

    The Conference hosted panelists such as; Prof. Ismail Adedigba – Director, Research and Development, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC; Dr. Femi Majekodunmi, Chairman, Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB); Oluwafemi Apena,
    Country Director, UNICAF; Foluso Gbadamosi, Executive Director, Junior Achievement Nigeria; Mohammed Mahmoud, Technical Assistant to the Minister of Education, Fed. Min. of Education; Chizor Malize, MD/CEO, Financial Institutions Training Centre, FITC; Tim Akano, CEO, New Horizon; Julios Ilori, Founder and CEO, Learners Corner Education Hub; Adekanla Adegoke, Head, Oando Foundation; Isaac Olawole Joseph (Certified Microsoft Innovative Educator, University of Ibadan, Nigeria); Teju Abisoye, Executive Secretary, LSETF; Adewale Oyerinde, Director General, NECA; and Yetunde Abimbola Baderinwa – Lagos State Coordinator, NYSC.

    The technical exhibition by students from Queens College and Kings College in Lagos, which showcased their creative technology advancements for the benefit of humanity and provided evidence of the numerous efforts made to reshape the future of Africa, was the conference’s notable highlight.

    Seyi Adeyemi, Chairman, LET Group, NBCC, cited the numerous difficulties in catching up with industrialized nations in his introduction remarks. These difficulties are due, among other things, to the poorly managed education sector, social security problems, and cynical government policies.

    The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) endorsed the Conference, which was sponsored by UNICAF, Stanbic IBTC, YOMA, and Generation Unlimited (Gen U).

    This is a step in the right direction toward closing the continent’s educational gap as well as the start of a more developed and capable industry that is well-suited to long-term goal achievement.