Lagos Govt, Firm Seek More Investment In Hospitality Sector

Lagos State government has called for increased investment in hospitality and skills development as part of efforts to tackle youth unemployment and strengthen the state’s growing tourism economy.

The state commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, disclosed this at the graduation event for the inaugural cohort of the Diageo Learning for Life (L4L) programme, held recently in Lagos, where 157 youths graduated from hospitality and tourism training. The commissioner, Sule, who was represented at the event by the Director of the Lagos State Agency for Mass Education, Oluwakemi Kalesanwo, noted that sustained investment in practical skills training remained critical to economic diversification and the growth of service-driven industries in the country.

He highlighted the initiative as a major platform for empowering youths with practical competencies that can create sustainable livelihoods.

The commissioner said, “Today’s convocation ceremony is a celebration of empowerment, achievement and opportunity, as the programme focused on hospitality, employability and entrepreneurship skills that are vital to economic growth and social stability.” Also speaking at the event, the General Manager of Diageo Nigeria, Adebayo Alli, remarked that the programme reflected the company’s commitment to combining business growth with social impact by creating opportunities for young Nigerians. He said,

“The initiative was introduced to empower 250 youths in 2025, with emphasis on women and persons living with disabilities, but demand exceeded expectations as more than 1,000 applications were received. All of us at Diageo believe business success and community progress must go hand in hand. Learning for Life is designed not only to equip young people with hospitality and tourism skills but also to create pathways to confidence, employability and long-term economic empowerment.”

Similarly, he disclosed that over 300 young Nigerians eventually underwent training under the programme, while more than 150 participants secured internship placements across hotels, restaurants, bars, and lounges, with some already transitioning into permanent employment. Alli further stated that the company planned to expand the initiative nationwide as part of efforts to deepen skills development in Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism sectors.

Also speaking, Executive Assistant to the General Manager of Diageo Nigeria and Learning for Life project manager, Chiamaka Anenechukwu, affirmed that the programme, which began globally in 2008, was aimed at breaking barriers to employment for vulnerable youths and underrepresented groups.   She added that women accounted for 68 per cent of the current Nigerian cohort, reflecting the company’s commitment to inclusion and equal access to opportunities.

On his part, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, noted that the initiative had become essential as many young Nigerians, despite their talents and potential, found it difficult to secure meaningful opportunities.

According to him, the programme can restore confidence and inspire hope among youths facing economic hardship. “The truth is that not every young person will secure a white-collar job, but everyone deserves a platform to develop their talents and build a future,” Ogunlende said.