Lagos Pushes Hospitality Skills Investment for Youth Employment Growth
Korede Abdullah 
Governor Sanwo-Olu
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Lagos State Government has called for stronger investment in hospitality skills development as authorities seek to tackle youth unemployment, boost tourism and diversify the state’s economy through vocational training programmes.
The appeal was made on Friday during the graduation ceremony of the first cohort of the Diageo Learning for Life programme in Victoria Island, where government officials and private sector stakeholders highlighted the growing demand for skilled workers in Nigeria’s expanding hospitality industry.
Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, represented by the Director of the Lagos State Agency for Mass Education, Mrs. Oluwakemi Kalesanwo, described hospitality as a major driver of employment and entrepreneurship in Lagos.
“Today’s convocation ceremony celebrates empowerment, achievement and opportunity,” Sule said. “It showcases the importance of equipping young people with practical skills that enable them to become productive and economically empowered citizens.”
The programme, implemented through partnerships involving Diageo, Celebr-8 Lyfe and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, trained more than 300 young Nigerians in hospitality, entrepreneurship and employability skills.
General Manager of Diageo Nigeria, Adebayo Alli, said over 150 participants had already secured internship placements, with several transitioning into full employment.
“Today is a celebration of resilience, growth and the incredible potential within young Nigerians when given the right support,” Alli stated. Lagos Pushes Hospitality Skills Investment for Youth Employment Growth
The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to expanding vocational education and human capital development initiatives under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s economic growth agenda.
About the Author
Mirian Gom 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
