Lagos State and private firms are set to partner to create 10,000 jobs for youth in an effort to curb unemployment and reduce the emigration of skilled professionals, known as the “Japa” syndrome.
The Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, announced at the “One Day Lagos Job Fair: Connecting Youths with Job Opportunities” in Alausa.
The job fair is a six-month program that will train youth in various disciplines and fields. Ajigbotafe said that the state is targeting about 2,000 graduates and 8,000 non-graduates.
“We are against the Japa syndrome, that’s why we want to make sure we get them out of the streets,” he said.
Ajigbotafe said that the job fair will give job seekers access to various employers and enable prompt responses from them.
“It is a fantastic chance for employers to conduct first interviews, make contacts, and respond to enquiries about education requirements or work experience required,” he said.
Ajigbotafe added that the job fair will allow for a fair selection of candidates and reduce the 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,” he said.
