Lagos State Government has called for increased private and public investment in skills training and hospitality development, highlighting the sector's importance to the state's job expansion and tourism revenue plans. The call was made at the graduation ceremony of the first cohort of the Diageo Learning for Life (L4L) programme in Nigeria, held on Friday at Victoria Island, Lagos.
Government Emphasis on Skills Development
The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, represented by the Director of the Lagos State Agency for Mass Education, Mrs Oluwakemi Kalesanwo, stressed that the hospitality industry is growing rapidly. He noted that increased investment in skills development is key to enhancing the sector and achieving economic diversification goals. Sule stated: “Today’s convocation ceremony is pertinent for the celebration of empowerment, achievement and opportunity. It showcases the importance of equipping our young people with practical skills that will enable them to become productive, self-reliant, and economically empowered citizens.”
He commended the Learning for Life initiative, implemented in partnership with Celebr-8 Lyfe and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), for focusing on practical hospitality, employability, and entrepreneurship skills. These skills are critical to economic growth and social stability, creating real opportunities for young people to pursue meaningful careers and sustainable livelihoods.
Diageo’s Commitment to Youth Empowerment
General Manager of Diageo Nigeria, Adebayo Alli, delivered the keynote address, calling the event a milestone in efforts to professionalise and strengthen Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality sector as a driver of economic diversification, employment, cultural diplomacy, and sustainable development. He said: “Today is a celebration of resilience, growth, opportunity, and the incredible potential that exists within young Nigerians when they are given access to the right support, training, and platform to thrive.”
Alli explained that the Learning for Life programme equips young people with hospitality and tourism skills while creating pathways to confidence, employability, and long-term economic empowerment. He noted that the programme exceeded expectations, training over 300 young people against an initial target of 250, and securing internship placements for more than 150 participants, with several transitioning into permanent jobs. He urged graduands to focus on continuous learning, resilience, and embracing opportunities.
Support from Arts and Culture Ministry
The Commissioner for Art and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, represented by Deputy Director Idera Folakemi, praised the initiative for its meaningful impact on young lives. She affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote education, vocational training, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment, noting that investing in people is investing in the future.
The graduation ceremony underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in developing human capital and advancing the hospitality sector in Lagos State.
