Lagos State, private firms are set to give 10,000 youths jobs to curb unemployment and reduce emigration of skilled professionals, known as “Japa” syndrome.
Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, said the state would capture and employ professionals through job placements in private firms.
Ajigbotafe spoke yesterday at the “One Day Lagos Job Fair”: “Connecting Youths with Job Opportunities,” in Alausa.
He said: “It’s a six-month programme to train them in whatever discipline and fields they belong.
“Concerning graduates, we are targeting about 2,000 youths in six months, the ones that are through with National Youth Service Corps.
“Overall, our target is 10,000 youths from Lagos State.
“We are against the Japa syndrome, that’s why we want to make sure we get them out of the streets.
He said the programmes give employees access to a variety of employers and enable prompt responses from them.
Ajigbotafe added: “It is a fantastic chance for employers to conduct first interviews, make contacts, and respond to enquiries about education requirements or work experience required.
“Job seekers have frequently complained about how candidates are chosen throughout employment placement process, but this job fair permits a fair selection of candidates.
“The direct connection between job seekers and employers provided by this fair reduces possibility of exploitation or bribery by unlicensed middlemen, brokers, or agents.
“Finding satisfying employment can change young people, bring stability, halt crime, Internet fraud, and lessen need for economic migration, called Japa syndrome.”
