By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Perhaps responding to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s promise during his inaugural speech that as part of his reforms, “a new Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment shall be established”, and that this would specifically address the promise he made during his campaign on employment, labour exchange and entrepreneurship, some youths, numbering about a thousand, recently stormed the Alausa office of the Governor to appeal to him for jobs in order to cater for their families. Some of the youths claimed to be BSc/BA/HND holders. Others were HND/NCE holders.

Lagos youths besiege Gov’s Office for job

The unemployed youths, under the umbrella of “Job Show Africa”, also displayed placards with various inscriptions such as More jobs for Lagosians; Yes, we can make it work; Gov. Ambode, please gives us jobs; We are ready to work; Governor Ambode, we are appealing for jobs in the new Ministry of Job Creation; We know you can do it; among others.

In drizzly weather, the youths trekked from Ogba area to Alausa, Ikeja in what they tagged “A walk for job”, and gathered at the entrance of the State House, chanting solidarity songs. Mr. Bimbola Adewole, the coordinator of “Job Show Africa”, explained that the concept started in August 2013. “What we do is that we connect job seekers and employers on media platforms such as radio and television.

“We are here on a courtesy visit to the Governor, to commend him on his performance so far and also to remind him of his statement that N20 billion funds would be made available for job creation and entrepreneurship. We came here to say we are ready to be part of that drive, to be part of that struggle and also to benefit from that offer.

“What you see here is just a fraction of what is coming because we can pull out a million job seekers to demand for jobs. We have sent a formal letter to the Governor on this, and it was well received. We are hoping for the best.”

Mr. Adewole lamented that to give credence to the fact that there was high rate of unemployment in the state, his office receives a total number of 300 curriculum vitae (CVs) per week, and an average of 20 job seekers in a day. “A good administration should be sensitive and responsive to the yearnings of the masses, and must be innovative”, he stated.