By Bababunmi Agbebi
Edited by Ezennia Uche
In the heart of Lagos State lies Ikeja, a bustling commercial and administrative hub that’s quickly transforming into a breeding ground for youth-driven economic activity. As more young people seek to build careers without relocating or waiting endlessly for traditional employment, Ikeja offers a growing range of viable opportunities, from tech and retail to manufacturing and the creative economy.
This article explores what’s available locally and how young people can tap into career, apprenticeship, and entrepreneurship pathways right in their community.
1. Tech Hubs and Digital Careers
Ikeja is home to several tech parks, incubators, and digital service firms that are redefining the city’s economic landscape. With the rise of startups and software development companies in areas like Computer Village and around Oba Akran Avenue, there’s a steady demand for:
- Software Developers
- Digital Marketers
- UI/UX Designers
- IT Support Technicians
- Data Analysts
Institutions like Co-Creation Hub (CcHub), Techpoint Africa, and local tech-focused NGOs also offer training programs, internships, and bootcamps aimed at upskilling young Nigerians for digital careers. For digitally inclined youth, these platforms provide a strong launchpad.
2. Retail and Customer Service
Retail continues to thrive in Ikeja, especially around hubs like Ikeja City Mall, Allen Avenue, and Computer Village. These areas provide employment in:
- Sales and Customer Service
- Inventory Management
- E-commerce Fulfillment
- Cashiering and Merchandising
While these roles may be entry-level, they often serve as stepping stones to managerial positions or entrepreneurial ventures. Many retail workers go on to start their own businesses, using industry insights and customer engagement experience.
3. Creative Industries and Freelancing
The creative sector is booming across Nigeria, and Ikeja is no exception. With affordable access to digital tools and a supportive online ecosystem, young creatives can find work in:
- Graphic and Web Design
- Photography and Videography
- Music and Audio Production
- Fashion Design and Tailoring
- Content Creation (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram)
Coworking spaces like Leadspace or work studios in the Ikeja GRA offer young creatives the environment to collaborate, learn, and monetize their skills. Freelancing platforms also allow them to earn income from both local and international clients.
4. Manufacturing and Skilled Trades
While often overlooked, manufacturing and vocational trades remain critical career paths in Ikeja’s industrial estates and light manufacturing zones. Local factories and workshops require:
- Welders and Fabricators
- Electricians and Technicians
- Machine Operators
- Packaging and Quality Control Personnel
Vocational training centers and apprenticeships in these trades offer hands-on learning and lead to jobs with steady incomes. Additionally, many skilled tradespeople eventually become business owners.
5. Entrepreneurship and Small Business Support
Entrepreneurship is a core part of the youth employment puzzle in Ikeja. Local governments and NGOs have started offering training, seed funding, and incubation to support business-minded youth. Prominent support avenues include:
- Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF)
- YouWiN! Connect Nigeria
- Bank of Industry Youth Entrepreneurship Support (YES) Programme
From fashion boutiques and mobile repair shops to food vending and logistics services, Ikeja’s youth are building businesses that not only provide for themselves but create jobs for others.
Conclusion: Building Locally, Thinking Globally
The future of work for Ikeja’s youth doesn’t have to lie in distant cities or overseas aspirations. With a vibrant mix of traditional and emerging industries, young people in Ikeja can build rewarding careers right where they are.
What’s needed is continued investment in training, awareness of available opportunities, and support from both public and private sectors to turn potential into prosperity.
Ikeja is not just a city to live in, it’s a city to build in.
