Lagos state government has admitted no fewer than 2,500 youths on its Graduate Internship Placement Programme (GIPP).

The Graduate Internship Placement Programme is a paid internship that offers graduates, who have completed national service, the chance to start careers while developing important behavioural competencies, emotional intelligence and soft skills.

The ceremony held at the Lagos State Television Authority premises on Wednesday with the theme: “Igniting a Future of Opportunities and Excellence”.

At the ceremony, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-olu, represented by his deputy, Obafemi Hazmat, said the initiative was part of the state government’s huge investment in youths and human capacity building.

He said that the interns would be paid a monthly stipend in different private organisations.

He called on the beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity to build their careers.

” Don’t view this programme as just a platform for internship alone, it is for career growth, personal development and professional excellence.

“You will make connections, you will meet people where you are going. The experiences you will get and the challenges you will see while you are there, will shape your career.

” It will also shape who you are and how you are able to relate with your seniors and subordinates,” the governor said.

The state commissioner for wealth creation and employment, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, emphasised the need for more collaboration of the public sector with the private sector.

He said it would strengthen the employability landscape across the state.

The official said that 189 private organisations partnered with the state government for 2024 GIPP.

“As you embark on this unique journey, I urge you to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.

“The programme is not just another job placement initiative, it is an investment in you – the brilliant minds who will shape the future of Lagos State and, by extension, Nigeria at large.

“This programme which was birthed in year 2017/2018 was designed to tackle the pressing issue of unemployment in the state. So far, it has recorded a very huge success.

“Today’s onboarding is the third phase; while a total number of 4,000 graduates have so far benefitted.” he said.

The state commissioner for youths and social development, Bolaji Ogunlende, called on youths in Lagos State to make good use of opportunities presented by the Sanwo-Olu-led administration.a

“Tiktok shouldn’t be the only thing you do with your phones, there are lots of opportunities out there, seek information that will empower your lives,” he said.

The graduates had undergone intensive training in employability skills, ranging from creative thinking, problem-solving and decision making, written and oral communication.

They also underwent training on teamwork, interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, self-organisation and personal effectiveness, professional ethics and adaptability.

(NAN)