15,000 new jobs created in 2 years – Ambode …says N6bn disbursed to 8,000 beneficiaries

The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Mr Akintunde Oyebode, yesterday disclosed that no fewer than 15,000 jobs have been created by the Fund in the last two years.

Speaking to journalists and some research students in his office, Oyebode also said that, at least, 8000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and businesses had accessed approximately N6 billion since inception of the ETF, an initiative of the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode administration.

From the figure, he added, N25bn was earmarked to be disbursed over a period of four years to provide entrepreneurs, artisans, traders and others with capital to boost their businesses, thereby reducing unemployment and increasing wealth among the people.

According to him, since its commencement in 2016, the ETF has continued to grow the economy and create jobs through provision of credit facilities with minimal interest.

Oyebode said the Fund targeted the creation of 300,000 direct and 600,000 indirect jobs within three years by supporting no fewer than 100,000 MSMEs, while it also sought to add over 200,000 new taxpayers to the Lagos State’s tax net by 2019.

He added that aside the ETF, the government through the Lagos State Employability Support Project, has also concluded plans with some multinational companies and in affiliation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to produce 10,000 skilled persons within three years to cater for demand in key sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, construction, entertainment, garment making and tourism & hospitality.

“In addition, the project will place, at least, 6,000 trained persons on jobs, upgrade the equipment and improve the curriculum at two of Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB’s) colleges,” Oyebode said.