Over 8,000 Lagos residents lifted out of poverty in one year — Commissioner

By Sodiq Adelakun

The Lagos State Government has made significant strides in empowering its residents through various wealth creation initiatives, with a total of 8,633 lives directly impacted in the past year.

This was disclosed on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe, during the ongoing annual Ministerial Press Briefing at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.

Ajigbotafe noted that the strategic interventions were designed to address unemployment, foster inclusive economic growth, and equip residents with practical skills to promote entrepreneurship and drive job creation across the State. 

Giving a breakdown of the figures, the Commissioner revealed that 2,383 beneficiaries were engaged through the Graduate Internship Placement Programme (GIPP), 1,425 individuals were empowered with Point-of-Sale (POS) machines, and 4,825 residents received a stipend of N120,000 under the Federal Government’s NG-CARES Social Transfer Programme. 

Each intern under the GIPP received a monthly stipend of N30,000 to support transportation and other basic needs.

Describing the GIPP as a resounding success, Ajigbotafe stated that the initiative was aimed at reducing youth unemployment by placing graduates in internships after a three-week soft skills training. 

“The three-month internship not only provided valuable experience for participants but also supported business growth through access to skilled manpower,” he added.

The Commissioner also disclosed that a specialised ICT training programme for unemployed graduates was implemented, with Microsoft certification and free laptops provided to empower participants and encourage self-reliance. 

“We are committed to upskilling this vital segment of the workforce,” he said, highlighting support for artisans and tradesmen.

Ajigbotafe commended the government’s commitment to empowering residents, citing the donation of a 32-seater Hyundai bus to the Lagos State Council of Tradesmen and Artisans and the allocation of three hectares of land at the Ganyingbo Private Development Scheme in Badagry for the construction of their secretariat.

The Commissioner urged all beneficiaries to use the support prudently to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the State’s economic growth.