LSETF, King’s Trust International partner to tackle youth unemployment in Lagos

… Set to create 2,000 Jobs for Lagos youth

The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) and King’s Trust International (KTI) have launched an employability support project to enhance economic development and youth empowerment across the state.

The LSETF, KTI partnership project aimed at tackling youth unemployment and equipping young people in Lagos with critical job-ready skills. The project, which will train about 2,000 youth over the next three years, is designed to bridge the skills gap and facilitate job placements for the trainees.

The project will be implemented through two core interventions: Get into Programme, a structured 4-to-6-week employability training initiative, providing young Lagos residents with soft and technical skills in high-demand sectors.

The Get Hired Programme, is a blended learning approach that combines self-paced online training and in-person sessions on self-awareness, CV preparation, job search strategies, and interview techniques.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State governor, reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for young people to thrive and generate employment opportunities.

“The collaboration between LSETF and KTI marks a significant milestone in our efforts to create a more inclusive and prosperous Lagos. Together, Lagos State government, KTI, LSETF and the ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment are equipping young people with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive in today’s dynamic economy, thereby laying a strong foundation for the future of Lagos state,” he stated.

According to him, the partnership underscores the shared commitment towards fostering economic growth, equipping young people with the skills they need to thrive, and building a more prosperous future for Lagos state.

Jonny Baxter, British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, stated that the UK recognises the vital role of skilled young people in addressing current and future global challenges. According to him, the UK government is proud to support innovation and skills development in Nigeria.

“Through partnerships between the British Council and King’s Trust International, we are providing training in enterprise, soft skills, gender equality and social inclusion across Nigeria. I look forward to seeing more young people gain the skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship through this collaboration.”

Feyisayo Alayande, executive secretary, LSETF, in highlighting the importance of the collaboration, stated that by providing young people with in-demand skills and direct access to employers; LSETF is ensuring a pathway to sustainable jobs and economic empowerment. “This collaboration with King’s Trust International is a major step in our commitment to reducing unemployment in Lagos State.”

Will Straw, CEO, King’s Trust International (KTI), stated that the expanded partnership between both organisations hope to equip a greater number of young people with the essential skills needed to secure sustainable employment. “The partnership between KTI and LSETF marks an important step forward, enabling us to scale our programmes across Lagos over the next three years.”