Head, Governance and Sustainability at Honeywell Group, Yewande Giwa, has said, talent development is key to economic sustainability.
Giwa and head, Startups, Lagos Innovates, Ireayo Oladunjoye discussed the impact of Honeywell Group’s partnership with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF).
The conversation centered on the role of the partnership in equipping young Nigerians with tech skills for employability and global competence in Lagos.
A report compiled by fDi Intelligence, revealed that Nigeria has the most startups in Africa, with over 750 businesses that secured $61.5 million in start-up-related funding in 2021 alone. However, the Nigerian tech ecosystem still struggles with a short supply of tech talents. A survey across the Nigerian tech ecosystem shows that most tech talents in Nigeria are either self-taught or schooled in more developed countries.
Speaking on the role of young talents in advancing the frontiers of technology in Nigeria and the impact of public-private partnerships on Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, Giwa said, “We applaud the advancements that young entrepreneurs and IT enthusiasts in Nigeria are making.
“We also recognise their challenges and have chosen to support young people who are interested in leveraging technology through our partnership with LSETF.”
On Honeywell Group’s partnership with LSETF, she said, “Honeywell Group has always invested in companies and initiatives that create lasting impact in the communities in which we operate.
“This partnership with LSETF isn’t just an avenue to give back to society, we see it as an opportunity to invest in the lives of young people in a way that leaves a lasting impact.”
Describing the objectives of the talent development programme, Oladunjoye said, ‘‘The Lagos Innovates Programme is aimed at bridging the gap between tech talents and their dreams, whether it is to create jobs or get employed.
“We are focused on capacity building and flooding the Lagos tech ecosystem with talents that can compete with global standards. Through our partnership with HGL, we are able to reach more people and help them live better lives.”
Honeywell Group’s partnership with LSETF on the Lagos Innovates Programme benefited over 300 participants within three years. With the fourth cohort already underway, members of the public and tech enthusiasts are encouraged to apply for the fifth cohort, slated to begin early next year.
