The Lagos State Government has trained and graduated 100 young Lagosians in event planning and management as part of efforts to equip residents with practical skills for employment, entrepreneurship and wealth creation.
Eko Hot News reports that the beneficiaries graduated during the maiden Event Planning and Management Training Graduation Ceremony held at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja.
The ceremony was themed “From Passion to Profession: Unlocking Opportunities in Event Planning.”
The programme was organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment in partnership with Zapphire Training School.
Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe, said the initiative was designed to turn the creativity and interests of young Lagosians into sustainable career opportunities.
He noted that event planning has developed into a competitive economic sector that requires creativity, professionalism and strong organisational abilities.
According to him, digital competence and financial discipline are also important for young people seeking to build successful careers in the industry.
Ajigbotafe said the events sector provides opportunities for young people to establish businesses and create employment for others.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to make effective use of the knowledge acquired during the training.
Delivering the keynote address, Chairman of the House Committee on Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Stella Olufunke Osafile, urged the graduates to see event planning as a serious profession and business opportunity.
Osafile said passion alone was not enough to succeed in the industry.
She encouraged the graduates to combine their creativity with knowledge, discipline, professionalism and continuous learning.
The lawmaker also advised the beneficiaries to consider entrepreneurship rather than depending solely on conventional employment opportunities.
She said the graduates could become business owners and future employers if they properly applied the skills acquired through the programme.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zapphire Events, Funke Bucknor, highlighted the practical component of the training.
Bucknor explained that the programme combined classroom learning with hands-on internship experience.
According to her, participants worked alongside professional event teams to gain practical knowledge of the industry.
The exposure covered areas including event planning, production, coordination and on-site management.
She said the approach was designed to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical industry experience.
Bucknor described event management as a growing sector with opportunities across several related businesses.
She identified catering, logistics, photography, production, entertainment and hospitality as some of the areas where trained professionals can build careers.
The training therefore provides participants with skills that can be applied across different sections of the events industry.
For the beneficiaries, the graduation represents an opportunity to move from training into professional practice.
The Lagos State Government said the programme forms part of its broader efforts to equip young people with skills that respond to current market demands.
The initiative also supports the State’s focus on encouraging entrepreneurship and creating alternative pathways to employment.
By providing practical training, the government aims to help young Lagosians develop income-generating skills and become more economically independent.
The event planning industry also offers opportunities for young professionals to start small businesses and expand their services over time.
Graduates can work with individuals, corporate organisations and other institutions to organise conferences, weddings, social events and other programmes.
The skills gained can also support the creation of businesses that employ other young people.
The government said developing such skills is important to strengthening Lagos’ workforce and supporting economic growth.
The partnership with Zapphire Training School also demonstrates the value of collaboration between government and private-sector training providers.
Such partnerships can provide beneficiaries with industry-specific knowledge and practical exposure.
The Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment is expected to continue supporting initiatives that provide market-driven skills to residents.
The government maintained that skills development remains an important part of its strategy for addressing unemployment and promoting entrepreneurship.
The 100 graduates were consequently encouraged to remain committed to professional development and continually improve their knowledge.
They were also urged to explore emerging opportunities within the events and creative economy.
The graduation ceremony marked the completion of the first cycle of the Event Planning and Management Training Programme.
It also highlighted the potential of practical skills training to transform young people’s interests into sustainable careers.
The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to creating more opportunities for young people to acquire relevant skills.
It said such programmes would help beneficiaries contribute meaningfully to the State’s economy while creating opportunities for others.
