A day workshop tagged ‘Lagos, a goldmine for the youths’ held today at the banquet hall of Excellence Hotel, Ogba Lagos. The program, which is a brainchild of TeamNigeria4Change was aimed at showcasing and highlighting the myriad opportunities for jobs and business for youths in the Ogba, Ojodu, Ifako-Ijaiye and Ikeja environ.
The event, which witnessed a large turnout of youths, had in attendance undergraduates, artisans, graduates, activists, student union representatives and the unemployed. Speakers at the workshop include Mr. Adeyemi Sowande, Country Representative of G-20 Youth Summit in Nigeria, Mrs. Olanrewaju Oluyide, CEO, Ambig Entrepreneurs Network Limited and Barrister Kehinde Osorun, CEO, PK Lamor Group. Also on hand to make presentations to the youths were the representatives of the Lagos State Ministries of Wealth Creation, Agriculture and Tourism.
According to Mr. Sowande, the workshop is an opportunity to open the eyes of the youths to how they can tap into the opportunities available to them in a prosperous state like Lagos, he also disclosed that he will be working with the organizers of the event and the Lagos State Government to see the possibilities of giving the young entrepreneurs the chance to showcase their goods and services at an international event coming up in Brazil later in the year.
On her part, Mrs. Oluyide charged the youths on the importance of self-grooming, paying attentions to details and not locking their focus on money when going into businesses. According to her, being properly schooled and learning the nitty-gritty of whatever trade, business or venture they want to go into is one of the most important ingredients for success.
Barrister Osorun, while speaking disclosed that patience is a critical factor in succeeding as an entrepreneur. She disclosed how she started her business from her one room apartment and grew it to become one of the names to reckon with in her field today.
The Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment was represented by Mr. Aro Peter. The Commissioner for Tourism was represented by Mrs. Lawal while the Commissioner for Agriculture was represented by Dr. Ade Adewunmi. They all disclosed the various programs their ministries have in place for youth empowerment, education and training. They also disclosed that most of the trainings come at no fees.
Also present at the event were Mr. Bunmi Oluyadi, Vice Chairman, Ojodu Local Council Development Area, Comrade Rasak Oladosu, Comrade Aghedo Stephen and representatives of different youth organizations.
In his closing remark, Mr. Bestman Mze-Jumbo, the President of TeamNigeria4Change disclosed that the program will be replicated in all the senatorial districts in Lagos State as it is the group’s contribution to the society. He further stated that the youths are the future of Nigeria and exposing them to the right opportunities and ways to have of productive engagement is something that everyone ought to see as a collective responsibility.
