Obsidian Advisory Africa, a leading workforce development and recruitment organization, has partnered with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) and the German Development Agency (GIZ) to train and place 200 young Lagos residents in paid internships. The initiative, known as the Bridge 2 Work program, is part of the LSETF-GIZ Employability Support Project, funded by the German and Swiss governments through the Skills Development for Youth Employment (SKYE II) program.
The first cohort of the program, launched on July 1, 2025, trained 100 participants in customer service management, sales support, and administrative support. The four-week training, held at Bridge by Obsidian in Yaba, Lagos, combined technical and soft skills such as professional communication, telemarketing, inventory management, CRM tools, digital sales, and workplace readiness. Graduates of the program have now started three-month paid internships with businesses across Lagos, gaining hands-on experience and a route to longer-term employment.
According to Damilola Ademilokun, Chief Executive Officer of Obsidian Advisory Africa, the program aims to bridge talents to opportunities and equip young people with marketable skills, confidence, and access to real work opportunities. Ademilokun noted that the growth witnessed in just a few weeks is proof of what’s possible when young people are supported with the right tools and environment. The program is part of ongoing efforts to tackle youth unemployment in Lagos State.
Applications are currently open for the second cohort, scheduled to start in October. To be eligible, applicants must be aged 18 to 35, reside in Lagos, hold at least a National Diploma, and have a valid LASRRA ID. The program is fully funded, providing valuable training and internship opportunities at no cost to participants. Female applicants and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The partnership between LSETF and GIZ reflects their commitment to addressing unemployment and promoting economic development in Lagos State. The LSETF has disbursed over N7.3 billion to 11,000 businesses and created 100,000 direct and indirect jobs. The Bridge 2 Work program is one of several initiatives aimed at equipping young people with skills and connecting them to job opportunities.
