Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday restated the willingness of his administration to fully support the infrastructure provided by the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association, stating that the partnership would enrich the progress of Nigeria.
The governor who spoke when he received the Director General of Nigeria Employers Consultative Association, Mr. A.O Oshinowo during his courtesy visit at the Lagos House, Ikeja, gave his official commitment to improve the synergy between Lagos State government and NECA, so as to get youths off the streets.
His Excellency, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said the Lagos State Government recognizes the convergence of vision and passion on youth unemployment by the Lagos state government and NECA, and his administration is already hitting the ground running so as to empower youths and equip them for a better tomorrow.
L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle), in a group photograph with Chairman/C.E.O, Kamjay Farm, Alhaji Bode Oyedele; Acting Director General, Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Mr. Dickson Onuoha; Director General, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Mr. Olusegun Oshinowo; Founder, Ruff & Tumble, Mrs. Adenike Ogunlesi; Commissioner for Wealth Creation & Employment; Mr. Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti; Head of Service, Mrs. Olabowale Ademola; Commissioner for Establishment & Training, Dr. Benson Akintola and others during a courtesy call to the Governor by Management of NECA, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Thursday, March 17, 2016.
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode further explained that his government has established the Employment Trust Fund with a very good team there, emphasizing that he has passed the N6.2billion for this year to them. “We are on our road to prosperity because the young ones are going to be empowered through this partnership by enhancing their skills to give them work 24/7.” Says Ambode.
“The first importance of employment is to ensure security. Security is important for investment to take place, as investors become more confident when security is guaranteed.”, says Mr. Olusegun Oshinowo. He further emphasized that “Jobs for the youth engages them in positive activities, thereby reducing crime and improving security” He reiterated his support to Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode to create jobs for the unemployed youth in Lagos state, stating that a financial model is required to support the vision to train the youths and provide jobs, that the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has been vital in that regard.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle), with Director General, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Mr. Olusegun Oshinowo (left) and Founder, Ruff & Tumble, Mrs. Adenike Ogunlesi (right) during a courtesy call to the Governor by Management of NECA, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Thursday, March 17, 2016.
Oshinowo equally expressed that NECA as a business membership organisation is offering to collaborate with the relevant agency of government to uncover those skills required in Lagos state to drive the economy. Stating that “NECA is working with the Lagos State Government to identify the particular skills and technical proficiencies that are in demand in the state, so as to properly organize training workshops for youth to equip them with the necessary skills for the labour market.”