The Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa on 27th June, 2026 chaired a strategic brainstorming session with key stakeholders from the public and private sectors as part of preparations for the launch of the SHIEELD Ibeju-Lekki Youth Empowerment Programme, a flagship initiative under the Education and Youth Development Pillar of the SHIEELD Agenda.
Convened by Mrs. Bolaji Osime of ETMC/LERSA, the session brought together government institutions, development partners, vocational training providers and industry leaders to refine the framework for a sustainable youth empowerment ecosystem that will equip young people with the skills, knowledge and opportunities required to thrive in today's economy.
At the heart of the initiative are two flagship programmes designed to cater to different categories of young people. The Ibeju-Lekki Career Accelerator Programme (CAP) will prepare graduates of universities and polytechnics for the workplace through employability training, digital skills, mentorship and career development, while the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Programme will provide school leavers and non graduates with practical vocational skills, entrepreneurship support and industry certification in high demand trades.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman reaffirmed that youth development remains one of the defining priorities of his administration.
"The future belongs to our young people," he said. "As a government, we are concerned about the rising rate of youth unemployment. Every community has young people with enormous potential, but many lack the opportunities and the skills to realise that potential. Our responsibility is to change that narrative."
Hon. Olowa explained that the proposed programme is built on a foundation of tested and successful interventions.
He recalled the Local Government's partnership with Pan Atlantic University, established four years ago to improve learning outcomes in public secondary schools through the Saturday Learning Programme. Since its inception, over one thousand students have benefited from the initiative, with many now studying in tertiary institutions and several currently enjoying scholarships at Pan Atlantic University.
He also highlighted the administration's collaboration with the Lagos State Cooperative College, through which fully funded scholarships were provided for young people to study cooperative management, microfinance and technical vocational courses. Many of the beneficiaries have graduated and secured employment in microfinance institutions, while others who participated in specialised technical training programmes in welding, electrical installation and related trades are currently undertaking internships within the Lekki Free Zone.
"These are programmes we have tested and they have worked," the Chairman stated. "What we are doing now is creating a framework that is sustainable, one that recognises the different categories of young people and provides programmes that fit their abilities, aspirations and future."
Speaking on the rationale behind the Career Accelerator Programme, Hon. Olowa observed that academic qualifications alone are no longer sufficient in today's labour market.
"Many graduates have good degrees but lack the practical skills employers now demand. Whether you graduated with a First Class or a Third Class, employers are looking for competence, communication, digital proficiency, problem solving and workplace readiness. Through the Career Accelerator Programme, we want to equip our graduates with those modern skills that make them competitive anywhere."
The Chairman explained that the TVET component is specifically designed for young people who may have dropped out of school or never had the opportunity to pursue higher education.
"We cannot force everyone back into the classroom. We must meet young people where they are. Through vocational training, mentorship and life skills, we can redirect their future and give them the opportunity to build meaningful careers."
Recounting another successful intervention, Hon. Olowa narrated how several unemployed young men who were identified within local communities were encouraged and supported to enlist in the Nigerian Army. Today, many of them are serving personnel whose lives have been transformed through gainful employment.
According to the Chairman, the first phase of the SHIEELD Ibeju-Lekki Youth Empowerment Programme is expected to engage nearly one thousand young people across both the Career Accelerator Programme and the TVET pathway, with admissions to be transparent, merit based and inclusive.
During the brainstorming session, participating organisations presented their institutional capacities and outlined how they would contribute to the programme. Discussions centred on building strong partnerships that align training with industry demand, ensuring participants acquire practical skills that lead directly to employment, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.
Partners represented at the session included Africa Fintech Foundry (AFF), Genzar, Lekki Worldwide, LERSA, Folio Tech Institute, ICLED Business School, Global Tech Academics, Bubbles View Media and Hospitality, Terawork, Renewable Energy Technology Training Institute (RETTI), CWO Lekki and other strategic stakeholders.
Training will cover a broad range of high demand sectors including information technology, renewable energy, solar photovoltaic installation, plumbing, carpentry, electrical installation, tailoring, graphic design, photography, music and sound production, podcast production, freelancing, hospitality, makeup artistry and other vocational disciplines tailored to the evolving needs of industry.
The Chairman disclosed that preparations are already at an advanced stage, with the first cohort of the Ibeju-Lekki Career Accelerator Programme (CAP) expected to commence in the first week of August, while implementation of the TVET programme will follow in structured phases.
He expressed appreciation to Mrs. Bolaji Osime, Africa Fintech Foundry (AFF), Genzar, Lekki Worldwide, LERSA and all partner organisations for their commitment to the initiative, expressing confidence that the collaboration between government and the private sector will create lasting opportunities for the young people of Ibeju-Lekki.
The brainstorming session concluded with a shared commitment to refine and launch the SHIEELD Ibeju-Lekki Youth Empowerment Programme as a transformational initiative that will prepare young people not only for employment, but for leadership, enterprise and lifelong success in a rapidly evolving economy.
