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Business News of Wednesday, 27 January 2021

Source: punchng.com

Lagos seeks increased beneficiaries for 774,000 jobs

File photo: Obafemi Hamzat File photo: Obafemi Hamzat

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, has urged the Federal Government to increase the allocation given to Lagos in the Extended Special Public Works programme aimed to provide jobs for 774,000 unemployed youths.

He spoke during the flag-off of the programme in Lagos on Tuesday.

Hamzat said, “I must congratulate the 20,000 Lagosians who have been selected to participate in this programme. I urge you to be at your very best and be good ambassadors of our good state.

“Your attitude and commitment to the assignment will serve as an opportunity to others so that this programme can be extended, and a case can be made if things went very well.

“While we appreciate the efforts of the Federal Government through this initiative, we will like to appeal for an increase in allocation for Lagos State in consideration of the increasing population.”

The Minister of Works and Housing, Babajide Fashola, who was represented by Kayode Popoola, said the programme which was approved by the Federal Government was implemented by the National Directorate of Employment.

He said the pilot programme was implemented in eight states of the federation in order to gauge its impact on growing unemployment and rising insecurity in some parts of the country.

“Although, the ESPW is an ephemeral strategy (to last for three months, January 5 to April 4, 2021); I am convinced that it will provide the necessary economic palliatives to these 774,000 unemployed youths,” he said.

The acting Director-General, NDE, Abubakar Fikpo, said it had several job creation schemes that were beneficial to all age groups, gender and interests that could be explored.

He encouraged participants to avail themselves of the opportunities by participating in the available programmes.