The Louis Awode Foundation (LAF) has unveiled plans to expand skills acquisition programmes aimed at preparing Nigerian youths for emerging opportunities in the global workplace.

Founder Mr. Louis Awode revealed that the programmes will commence in March 2026, targeting at least 500 youths in the first phase. The initiative seeks to enhance employability and living standards by aligning education with the evolving demands of the labour market. Training will focus on internships, project-based learning, entrepreneurship, critical thinking, and fostering stronger public-private partnerships to bridge the gap between academia and real-world employment.

“Our goal is to equip Nigerians with the necessary skills to improve their job prospects and secure a better life. Strong public-private partnerships are essential to align education with the realities of today’s and tomorrow’s workplace,” Awode said.

In a related outreach, the Foundation recently distributed food items to female staff of the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA) operating in Surulere, Lagos. Tagged Touching Lives 1.0, the initiative recognized the hard work of women in sanitation and environmental hygiene, whose efforts are critical yet often underappreciated.

Awode highlighted the challenges faced by LAWMA workers, including long hours, heavy lifting, health risks, and irregular wages, noting that the gesture aimed to support and honor their contributions. Beneficiaries expressed gratitude, describing the outreach as timely and encouraging, with many sharing personal stories of resilience and dedication.

Founded in 2025 by Awode, a former student union leader, the Louis Awode Foundation focuses on education, community development, and empowerment. Its programmes support underserved communities, underprivileged students, first-generation graduates, and persons with disabilities through scholarships, mentorship, digital literacy, and vocational training.

Awode explained that the outreach aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 1 and 11, which target poverty reduction and sustainable cities.

“By celebrating and giving back to these unsung heroes, the Louis Awode Foundation seeks to honor their dedication, restore dignity to their work, and reaffirm our belief that every contribution to society deserves recognition,” he said.

Ms. Taiwo Abdulai, volunteer and marketing lead for the Foundation, added that the initiative demonstrated the power of compassion to uplift lives and restore hope, affirming the worth of those often overlooked in society.