Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu (5th left), the Special Adviser to the Governor on Primary and Secondary Education, Mrs. Soyombo (5th right) and other dignitaries during the Community Engagement Meeting for the Take-Off of Ogun State Vocational Skills Acquisition Centres in Iperu and Ilisan.
10,000 residents in Ogun State will be trained on various vocational and technical skills annually, to tackle unemployment, encourage self-reliance and promote national development.
Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology (MOES&T), Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, stated this during a Community Engagement Meeting for the Take-Off of Ogun State Vocational Skills Acquisition Centres, at Iperu and Ilisan, noting that the intervention would engender hope, opportunity and transformation among youths
Prof. Arigbabu highlighted the available courses to include, Catering, Hair Styling, Cosmetology, Garment Making, Computer Literacy, Masonry and Tiling, Photography and Videography, Welding and Fabrication, Plumbing and Pipe Fitting, Furniture and Carpentry, saying the project was done through Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“This Centre stands as a beacon of opportunity, a place where young people can acquire the skills and knowledge needed to build a brighter future for themselves and their families. It is a testament to our belief in the potential of our youths and our dedication to investing in their success”, he said.
In their separate contributions, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Primary and Secondary Education, Mrs. Ronke Soyombo and the Senior Special Assistant on Sustainable Goals, Damilola Otubanjo, expressed optimism that the intervention would transform the lives of youths for the better, enjoining them to embrace the initiative, to acquire skills that would secure their future.
Speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola, represented by the Director of Investment in the Ministry, Mrs. Yemisi Folarin, pointed out that the programme would drive employment opportunities for youths in the two communities, thereby improving their social well-being and a greater tomorrow.
Earlier in their remarks, the Chairman, Ogun State Teaching Service Commission, Evang. Olalekan Ifede and Acting Executive Secretary, Ogun State Technical and Vocational Education Board, Mr. Olubori Akinleye, explained that the Centre was part of the government’s initiative to empower youths with skills that would make them useful to the community.
Underscoring the purpose of the event, a Skill Specialist from Ogun State Economic Transformation Project, Engr. Adesegun Fatoki, noted that the project covers three areas, such as, agriculture, business enabling environment and skill sector, saying the establishment of skill acquisition centres would combat crime, unemployment and poverty.
Appreciating the Federal and State Government for the laudable projects, the Chairman, Remo Growth and Development Foundation, Prince Adewole Sowole; Chairman of Iperu Development Association, Babajide Oyeti; Akogun of Ilisan, Chief Adepegba Otemolu and other Remo community leaders, Mr. Mofopefoluwa Joseph and Chief Wemmy Osude, solicited more vocational courses for more efficiency.
