From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti State Government has inaugurated the Labour Market Information System (LMIS) platform for employers and job seekers.
The initiative aims to serve as a one-stop platform for relevant labour market-related data where employers and job seekers can interact to create wealth and employment opportunities.
Speaking at the inauguration of the platform and the Public Private Dialogue on the LMIS in Ado-Ekiti, capital of the state, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment in the state, Hon. Kayode Fasae, explained that the scheme is a transformational tool that would provide a centralised, digitised and dynamic platform for collecting, analysing and disseminating labour market data.
The Commissioner who lauded the State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for his policies and programmes targeted at improving the economic conditions of the people of the state, attributed the LMIS initiative, to the efforts of the current administration in the state towards ensuring that the citizens have adequate information as well as take full advantage of job opportunities within and outside the country.
He therefore urged youths, active citizens as well as People With Disabilities(PWDs) in the state to embrace the platform, make contributions and upscale their potential.
He disclosed that his Ministry was partnering with various stakeholders such as educational institutions, corporate organisations, as well as community and religious leaders, to produce an interactive database that is accessible, up-to-date, and that enhances continuous data sharing by users.
“To our private sector partners: your insight is invaluable. We ask that you share your labour needs, your growth projections and your training expectations.
“To our development partners: contribute to walk with us as we strengthen the institutional frameworks that make reforms sustainable.
“To our youths: embrace this platform, contribute your voice, your skills and your potential.
“To our traditional and community leaders: support grassroots awareness and adoption of this tool.”
While emphasising the importance of the LMIS platform in addressing unemployment, Fasae called on youths in the state to avail themselves of the opportunity to gather information and reduce unemployment in the state.
The State’s Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Femi Ajayi, remarked that the programme would serve as a guide for the labour market through public enlightenment.
Ajayi, who lauded the initiative, urged the Ministry to take the sensitisation of the programme to all the communities in the state to enable it to have accurate data on the unemployed in the state.
In her remarks, the Managing Director of Yokes Solutions, Tarebi Alebiosu, who is the technical partner of the programme, said that the initiative would reduce unemployment in the society.
She described the LMIS as a shared tool for collaboration, and designed to give insight to the government to make better decisions and build the economy through the creation of jobs nd wealth for the people.
Participants at the programme, among whom were religious leaders, expressed their support for the initiative.
The programme also afforded attendees the opportunity to seek clarification on grey areas regarding the effectiveness of the system.