In a significant move aimed at addressing youth unemployment and promoting inclusive opportunities, the lawmaker representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Babajimi Benson, has facilitated federal government employment for over 20 youths across Ikorodu Division, with a notable majority of the beneficiaries being women.
For many of the beneficiaries, the moment marked the end of a long and uncertain journey through unemployment – a period defined by repeated job applications, waiting, and limited opportunities. The issuance of employment letters therefore represented not just a job, but a turning point toward stability, dignity, and renewed purpose.
The initiative, which aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saw successful candidates receive employment letters into various ministries, departments, and agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Speaking during the presentation of the employment letters, Rep. Benson described the development as a direct reflection of the Federal Government’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians and creating opportunities based on merit.
“I represent the government and that is why I am here today to share this good news – the issuance of employment letters into various ministries, departments, and agencies of the Federal Government,” he said. A major highlight of the exercise was the strong representation of female beneficiaries, a development the lawmaker described as both intentional and reflective of Ikorodu’s progressive stance on gender inclusion.
“What makes me even happier is that the majority of the individuals picking up these letters, are ladies. Ikorodu is known for being gender-friendly — a place with a high number of female professionals and leaders”, Benson stated.
According to him, about 80 percent of the beneficiaries were women, a statistic he noted further reinforces the need to sustain gender balance in employment and leadership opportunities. He explained that the selection process was initiated through community engagement platforms, where he had earlier invited parents and guardians with unemployed children to present them for possible opportunities.
“There was a time we had a forum, and I saw many parents. I asked them to bring forward their children who were seeking employment. We selected a few, but unfortunately, not all followed through, and that was painful because we wanted more people to benefit,” he added.
Benson attributed the success of the initiative to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration, maintaining that the programme is not just a slogan, but a practical reality impacting lives.
“This is Renewed Hope. I am not the one who gave you this job – Renewed Hope gave you this job,” he said, urging beneficiaries to appreciate the leadership behind the initiative.
He further referenced the administration’s vision of creating equal opportunities for all Nigerians, regardless of background. “This government believes that a son or daughter of nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody.
That is what you are seeing here today,” he said. Charging the beneficiaries, the lawmaker encouraged them to approach their new roles with dedication, discipline, and a strong work ethic, noting that their current positions could serve as a foundation for greater achievements in the future.
“In the next 10 to 15 years, if you stay focused and committed, you can rise through the ranks. You can become directors, you can become leaders in your respective agencies,” he said. “Hard work is key. The people you see in top positions today also started from somewhere. If you do your work well, the sky is your limit,” he added.
Also speaking, the Director-General of iCare Foundation, Mayor Deen Sanwoola, reaffirmed that the selection process was strictly merit-based, ensuring fairness and credibility throughout the exercise. “The beneficiaries were shortlisted purely on merit. There was no room for favoritism, political bias, or religious consideration,” he stated.
Beneficiaries of the initiative expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity, describing it as timely and life-changing, especially in the face of current economic realities. Some also noted that beyond financial stability, the employment has restored their confidence and given them a renewed sense of direction, while others pledged to make the most of the opportunity and represent Ikorodu positively in their respective roles.
Observers within the community have described the initiative as a strong step toward youth empowerment in Ikorodu Division, particularly in addressing unemployment and promoting inclusivity.
With the combination of merit-based selection, gender representation, and alignment with national development goals, the initiative stands as a clear example of how targeted interventions can create real impact at the grassroots.
For the beneficiaries, however, the significance goes beyond policy and programmes – it marks the beginning of a new chapter, one defined by opportunity, responsibility, and the chance to build a better future.
Unemployed youths within Ikorodu Division who seek similar job opportunities have been directed to submit their application and CVs to icarejobs.ng
