The Lagos State government has unveiled its Graduate Internship Placement Programme (GIPP), aimed at equipping young talents with essential skills for the modern workforce.
The announcement was made by Hon. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, during a press conference held at the Ministry in Alausa.
The GIPP, which is part of the broader ‘EMPOWER LAGOS’ initiative, seeks to uplift the lives of 10,000 residents from poverty by bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical work experience.
Ajigbotafe emphasized that the programme focuses on enhancing the employability of graduates through rigorous training that covers critical areas such as career choice, job acquisition strategies, entrepreneurship fundamentals, and professionalism.
This comprehensive training will span three weeks, after which selected graduates will embark on a three-month internship with partnering organizations.
This hands-on experience aims to provide participants with real-world exposure, allowing them to apply their newly acquired skills and gain valuable insights into their desired fields.
To support the graduates during this transformative journey, the Lagos State Government, in collaboration with partners and donor agencies, will offer stipends to all beneficiaries, ensuring they can fully concentrate on their training and internships without financial distractions.
Ajigbotafe urged stakeholders to collaborate with the state government under the THEMES Plus Agenda of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, reinforcing the importance of collective efforts in enhancing the socio-economic landscape of Lagos State.
The press briefing was attended by key figures in the sector, including Mr. Innocent Osaghe, Managing Director of Human Capital Partners, and Mr. Adeyinka Adeyemi, Managing Director of Intermac Consulting, marking a significant step towards creating a more robust job market for the youth of Lagos.