In my inaugural address, I said that I would fulfil my campaign promise to establish an Employment Trust Fund. On Tuesday, 5th January 2016, I assented to the Employment Trust Fund Law. Thereafter, in line with the provisions of the Law, the Chairman and Executive Secretary have since been cleared by the State House of Assembly.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I am delighted that the Employment Trust Fund is now a reality. This Fund is a turning point in the responsiveness of government to the yearnings of our youth and unemployed people. Beyond the fact that this was a campaign promise, it is a paradigm shift in engaging our youths. We must realise that the era of white collar jobs is gone forever.
The Employment Trust Fund is an instrument to galvanise the creative and innovative energies of all Lagosians. For clarity, the Employment Trust Fund will only be available to Lagosians and residents of Lagos State.
I urge all Lagosians especially our young entrepreneurs and artisans to embrace this opportunity. The process of accessing the fund must be transparent, and beneficiaries will be chosen only on the strength and quality of their applications. The management of this Fund will be guided by global best practices and strict adherence to the rules and procedures spelt out in the law.
Fellow Lagosians, this initiative has been designed to succeed. Our government will commit N6.25billion every year within the Four years of this administration to a total of N25billion. Realizing that the first year of this administration is just 3 months away, precisely on May 29, 2016, the Commissioner for Finance is hereby directed to transfer the sum of N6.25b to the Employment Trust Fund immediately, today.
The effectiveness of this initiative will not be measured by the number of beneficiaries but by the number of successful businesses created, the number of employment opportunities offered and the overall multiplier effects on the State economy within a reasonable period of time. Lagos deserves nothing short of this.
I charge the Chairman and members of the Employment Trust Fund to hit the ground running and ensure that Lagosians feel their presence immediately. Every Senatorial Zone of the State must feel the positive impact of the Fund. The Board must ensure that the distribution of the fund is evenly spread across the State.
I urge individuals, corporate organisations and multi-lateral agencies to join our efforts in turning around the fortunes of our youths and thereby energise the State economy and by our actions, the Nigerian economy as a whole.
I congratulate the Chairman and members of the State Civil Service Commission on their inauguration and urge you all to discharge your duties with diligence and integrity. The Civil Service is at the centre of all that government does and, in Lagos State, we want to ensure that our public service exudes the highest grade of professionalism and selflessness in all ramifications. I am assured that you are up to the task.
The members of the State Civil Service Commission are:
Mrs. Taiwo Adeyinka Oyemade – Chairman
Mr. Satar Arilesere
Mr. Wasiu Odeyemi
Engr. Oladimeji Oshinowo and
Pastor Israel Alagbe
The members of the Employment Trust Fund and the Civil Service Commission have been chosen based on their track record of professional integrity and selflessness. We are grateful to the Lagos State House of Assembly for considering the Chairman and Executive Secretary of the Employment Trust Fund worthy and suitable for the task ahead.
The members of this board include:
Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru – Chairman
Engr. Dele Martins
Mrs. Bilikis Adebiyi-Abiola
Mr. Otto Orondam
Mrs. Olufunmi Olatunde Daudu
Mr. Tunde Bank-Anthony
Mr. Michael Popoola Ajayi
Mr. Tunde Durosinmi-Etti
Dr. Mustapha Akinkunmi and
Mr. Akintunde Oyebode – Executive Secretary
Once again, I congratulate the Chairmen and members of the Employment Trust Fund and the State Civil Service Commission. Congratulations.
Thank you.
Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko, lo jewa l’ogun!!!
Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode
Governor of Lagos State,
Alausa.
MARCH 3, 2016.