This past Wednesday, I had the privilege of participating in two impactful events at the British Residence in Lagos, hosted by the British Deputy High Commission. Both gatherings underscored a shared commitment to expanding economic opportunities for young people in Nigeria and across Africa, in partnership with The King’s Trust International, an organisation marking a decade of transformative impact throughout 2025.

At the invitation of the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter, and the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund – LSETF, Ms. Feyisayo Alayande, I was honoured to join the reception celebrating the launch of the Youth Employability Support Project. This initiative, a collaboration between LSETF and The King’s Trust International, seeks to tackle youth unemployment head-on. Over the next three years, the project aims to equip over 2,000 young Lagos residents with critical skills necessary for the labour market, ensuring that they are well-prepared for sustainable employment. The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, established by the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund Law of 2016, has a proven history of fostering skills development and providing opportunities that drive both personal growth and national progress. Through this new partnership, the potential for impact is immense.

Later in the evening, I had the honour of attending the Unlocking Generational Potential Private Dinner, an exclusive gathering hosted by Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede on behalf of The King’s Trust International, in partnership with the British Deputy High Commission. This high-level discussion reinforced the urgency of collective leadership in the corporate and civic spheres, with a focus on promoting economic opportunities for young people. A key takeaway from the evening was the importance of ensuring that youth voices are heard—not just at a local level, but also in shaping policies on the national and global stage. Investing in young people is not just an economic imperative but a social responsibility that requires collaboration, innovation, and sustained commitment.

At The Wellbeing Foundation Africa, we remain dedicated to ensuring that Nigeria’s predominantly young population, especially women, girls, and frontline health workers, have access to the tools, training, and opportunities they need to thrive. Through our Skills and Drills Personal, Social, and Health Education (PSHE) and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programming, we continue to drive transformative impact in schools, healthcare facilities, and communities.

The testimonies shared during these events by young professionals whose lives have been changed through these programs were truly inspiring. I extend my sincere gratitude to our gracious hosts, the British Deputy High Commission, The King’s Trust International, and the Coronation Group for their support, and to H.E Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other key stakeholders for their commitment to this vital cause. As we move forward, we must continue to foster partnerships for change that create a future where every young Nigerian has the opportunity to realise their full potential.

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