Mr Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, the state Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, gave the assurance on Wednesday at the 2025 Lagos State Ministerial Press Briefing in Ikeja.

The commissioner re-affirmed the government’s commitment to building infrastructure in order to create wealth and jobs for residents of the state.

“The Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, in staying true to its mandate, is tackling challenges militating against the growth and development of nano, micro, small and medium scale businesses.

“The leather hub at Matori was established to enhance the development of artisans and entrepreneurs in the leather value chain in the state.

“The industrial leather hub at Matori, Mushin, is to create employment, develop capacity of artisans and provide necessary equipment and infrastructure for MSMEs,” he said.

He said the ministry was focused on building sustainable programmes and projects geared toward improving the financial status of artisans and others regardless of age, tribe or social status.

“As a ministry, we are committed to creating sustainable employment opportunities through skills acquisition for youths, as well as nurture, innovate and support entrepreneurs to create jobs.

“As an additional effort to create employment, the ministry, in collaboration with Human Capital Partners, onboarded 2383 interns from the Graduate Internship Placement Programme (GIPP).

“We have onboarded 2383 graduates in various internship placements. Graduates were empowered with employability skills ranging from creative thinking, problem-solving and decision making.

“Other skills acquired are written and oral communication, team work, interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence,” he said.

The official said that during the three-week intensive training, a stipend of N30,000 was paid to each trainee for transport and purchase of data for both virtual and physical sessions.

He added that at the end of the training, participants proceeded to have three-month internship with the private sector to enhance their chances of gainful employment.

On entrepreneurship training for People with Disability (PwD), the commissioner reaffirmed that the Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration was deliberate about inclusivity.

“The ministry organised a five-week entrepreneurial skill training for PwDs.

“The programme was aimed at equipping participants with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as entrepreneurs.

“Upon completion, each participant received a start-up pack to kick-start their businesses.

“The programme goes to show that the government is dedicated to fostering self-reliance and economic independence among individuals with disability.”

He said that the Sanwo-Olu-led administration understood the importance of the informal sector.

“It is pertinent to note that the informal sector of the economy which is dominated by tradesmen and artisans cannot be ignored, given their numerical strength and significant contributions to the economy.

“They were encouraged to come together to form themselves into associations and register with the government.

“The ministry therefore undertook the registration of 148 tradesmen and artisans’ associations in the state.

“The ministry also produced and issued 9,444 identity cards to members of

registered tradesmen and artisans’ association to serve as a means of identification.”

The official said that the ministry also carried out conflict resolution and mediation within and between associations. (NAN)(www.nannews.com)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola