Lagos Employment Summit to focus on future of work, productivity – Akingbotafe

 

The Lagos State Government says the 4th edition of Lagos Employment Summit will focus on building a productive workforce, promoting enterprise development and expanding sustainable employment opportunities.

 

The Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr Akinyele Akingbotafe, said this at a news conference on Thursday to herald the summit scheduled for Nov. 18 at Landmark Event Centre, Lagos.

 

Akingbotafe welcomed members of the press, representatives of partner organisations and other stakeholders to the briefing, describing it as an opportunity to share the vision, objectives and strategic expectations of the forthcoming summit.

 

He said the summit, with the theme “Lagos Works: Building Africa’s Most Productive City,” with the sub-theme “A Decade of Impact, Next Chapter of Talent,” would build on the achievements recorded in employment generation and enterprise development over the past decade.

 

According to him, the summit will examine emerging priorities shaping the future of work, including technological advancement, innovation, changing business environments and evolving labour market dynamics.

 

“The focus must now extend beyond job creation to building the ranks and strengthening workforce capacity, improving enterprises, creating new jobs and ensuring that residents are adequately positioned to take advantage of emerging economic opportunities,” he said.

 

The commissioner said the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, in collaboration with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), had implemented interventions aimed at expanding employment opportunities, supporting businesses, equipping young people with market-driven skills and facilitating access to finance.

 

He said that the initiatives had contributed to strengthening individuals’ economic capacity, supporting enterprise growth and enabling residents to participate productively in the state’s economy.

 

Akingbotafe described Lagos as Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre and one of Africa’s leading economic hubs, stressing the need for sustained investment in human capital and the development of an adaptable, skilled and innovative workforce.

 

He said that the summit would bring together government representatives, private-sector leaders, development partners, employers, entrepreneurs, industry experts and other stakeholders to exchange ideas and develop practical solutions to employment and enterprise development challenges.

 

“The summit is expected to strengthen collaboration, foster innovation and generate actionable recommendations that will further advance the employment and enterprise development agenda of Lagos State,” he said.

 

The commissioner further added that the summit would be preceded by a series of activities, including an Innovation Day on Nov. 16 and a Job Fair on Nov. 17, with the grand finale holding on Nov. 18.

 

He said the activities were designed to provide opportunities for job seekers, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to engage with emerging employment prospects and innovative solutions.

 

Akingbotafe reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to implementing policies and programmes that promote economic inclusion, support enterprise growth, facilitate skills development and expand access to sustainable employment.

 

He said that building a productive city required a deliberate and collaborative approach involving government, the private sector, educational and training institutions, development partners and communities.

 

The commissioner commended Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, for their continued commitment to human development, economic growth and employment generation through the administration’s THEMES Plus Agenda.

 

He also appreciated the LSETF for its sustained partnership with the ministry, noting that institutional collaboration remained crucial to addressing unemployment, supporting businesses and creating sustainable economic opportunities.

 

Akingbotafe urged stakeholders to actively participate in the summit’s deliberations and contribute innovative ideas that could be translated into concrete actions and measurable outcomes.

 

“The task of building Africa’s most productive city is a collective responsibility, and the success of this aspiration will depend largely on our ability to translate shared ideas into concrete action,” he said.

 

He also acknowledged the media for its role in publicising government initiatives, documenting success stories and providing platforms for constructive engagement.

 

The commissioner expressed optimism that the summit and its accompanying activities would strengthen Lagos’ employment and enterprise development framework.

 

 

Earlier Mrs Lolade Aina, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry said that the 10th anniversary of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) was not merely a celebration of another government programme but an opportunity to reflect on employment, enterprise development, skills acquisition and economic opportunities.

 

 

 

She said that the anniversary was particularly significant because it demonstrated the state government’s commitment to inclusive economic growth and improving the livelihoods of residents.

 

 

 

“Employment remains one of the most important indicators of economic progress and social well-being.

 

 

 

“However, our responsibility goes beyond creating jobs to developing relevant skills, supporting businesses, encouraging innovation and building an economy where individuals and enterprises can thrive,” she said.

 

 

On LSETF’s achievements in 10 years, Aina said that the Lagos State Government had continued to pursue deliberate policies and targeted interventions to address unemployment, particularly among young people.

 

 

 

According to her, LSETF was established in 2016 to address unemployment and promote economic opportunities through entrepreneurship development, vocational training and innovation support.