2016: Ambode promises more opportunities for Lagos youths

Gbenro Adeoye

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Friday gave an assurance to residents that his administration would provide more opportunities for youths in 2016 with its N25bn Employment Trust Fund.

Ambode, who gave the assurance in his first New Year broadcast to Lagosians, said he was optimistic that 2016 would be a groundbreaking year for the good people of the state.

A statement made available to Saturday PUNCH by the governors’ Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, which was credited to Ambode, expressed optimism that the state government would help the youth to set up their businesses.

The statement read in part, “Our pledge is to make Lagos clean, safe and secure. We will witness a remarkable boost this year. We commit to work as hard as possible to create more jobs for our youths. The Employment Trust Fund is designed to help our youths to set up their businesses and it will commence this year.

“Our massive investment in education, health, entertainment, sport and tourism to effectively develop and engage our youths will start in this year 2016.

“We will pursue greater channels to better engage our youths just as we have developed many programmes toward the welfare and better involvement of our senior citizens.”

The governor also promised to ensure that the state would witness improvements in infrastructural development, job creation and security.

While acknowledging the economic challenges in the country in the last seven months, Ambode said his administration had been able to hit the ground running to deliver the dividends he promised the people during his campaign.

He said, “The last seven months have been challenging, but with your patience, support and positive criticism, we have begun to display a positive outlook on innovation and inclusion we promised during our campaign.

“Lagos has always been a cosmopolitan potpourri of vibrant people that have driven the greatest growing economy in Africa. We, however, need the continued support of our citizens through regular payment of their taxes and strict adherence to their civic responsibilities.”