ProjectLOUD Empowers Over 2,000 Youths in Vocational Skills | ClipTV Online

Lagos State government, through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, has successfully empowered over 2,000 Youths. ProjectLOUD embedded with various vocational skills to mark significant step toward building self-reliant individuals. This was revealed during the 4th Graduation Ceremony and 5th Induction of participants in the state’s Modernized Skills Hub. ProjectLOUD held the event on Wednesday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere.

ProjectLOUD empowerment initiative is part of the Lagos State government’s broader THEMESPlus agenda. It is focused on tackling youth unemployment and equipping residents with practical skills to become employers of labor. The initiative is spearheaded by Hon. Prince Kenny Bakare, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Grassroots Empowerment and Convener of the “ProjectLOUD Lagos of Our Dreams”. Designed to provide free two-month training sessions that cover both theoretical and practical aspects of various trades like tailoring, shoe making, mixology, and photography.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Prince Bakare highlighted the government’s commitment to ensure no one is left behind without a viable skill. “Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has made it a priority to empower our youths, equipping them with skills that will enable them to fish and sell their catch in a rapidly changing economy,” he said.

He however, emphasized the importance of building human capacity in line with the state’s agenda. Stating that ProjectLOUD is embarking on human capacity building.

ProjectLOUD Admission

Furthermore, ProjectLOUD celebrated the achievements of participants across 10 key departments, including Digital Marketing, Photography, Mixology, Baking and Pastries, Nail Art, Tailoring, and Weave Making, among others. Hon. Bakare noted that the training is open to all Lagos residents and will continue to expand.

Noting that inductions into ProjectLOUD required individuals to register with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA).

In addition, ProjectLOUD partnered with Fidosis White and Spirit Drink to further support the students. The company provided blenders for participants in the Mixology department and awarded cash prizes to outstanding students to kickstart their entrepreneurial journeys.

Speaking with ClipTV Online, Hon. Oluwasegun Rotimi Williams, SSA to the Governor on Urban Development, congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to seize the opportunity to excel in their chosen fields. He further urged them to be attentive and diligent in applying the gained skill, stressing that their success could inspire future participants.

Representing the Commissioner of Youth and Social Development, Hon. Ogunlende, Surulere Local Government Chairmanship aspirant Hon. Olanrewaju Bashir Oshodi hailed the empowerment initiative. He described ProjectLOUD as a monumental achievement for Lagos State. Expressing his confidence in Nigeria’s leadership, he stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would work to address the nation’s current challenges.

Amuwo Odofin House of Assembly aspirant, Hon. Rotimi Gbajabiamila, also addressed the gathering, reminding the graduates to use their newfound skills responsibly and to become role models for future generations.

Conclusion

The ProjectLOUD graduation and induction concluded with a call to action for the youths to leverage their skills to become self-reliant, employers of labor, and contributors to the economic growth of Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole. It is also worthy to note that the overall best students were rewarded from different departments.

ProjectLOUD also partnered Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) to ensure the availability of grants and loan for the graduates. LSETF made available different loan and grant options for the students to access.