Over 65,000 technicians, farmers, women, and youths in Ogun State have benefited from the economic interventions under the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), the five-year World Bank-assisted initiative aimed at driving inclusive growth through reforms in agriculture, skills development, business environment, and public sector governance.
Speaking at the 7th Implementation Support Mission (ISM) in Abeokuta, the state capital, where the State Government and the World Bank met to review the project’s progress, which is near completion.
The State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, who also serves as Chairman of the OGSTEP Project Technical Committee and Vice Chairman of the Project Steering Committee, outlined the project’s key milestones across its core components.
Olabimtan pointed out that to progress under the Business Enabling Environment component, more than 15,000 Certificates of Occupancy have been processed, strengthening property rights and boosting investor confidence.
Representing the State Chief Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, who doubles as Chairman of the OGSTEP Project Steering Committee, Olabimtan underscored the sectoral achievements, beginning with agriculture.
“In the agricultural sector, more than 24,800 farmers have benefited from interventions in crop production, aquaculture, and poultry. Rehabilitation of poultry pens and storage facilities is also ongoing to expand capacity and reduce post-harvest losses,” he stated.
On skills development, he noted that all eight Government Technical Colleges across the state are being rehabilitated to provide modern, functional learning environments. “Over 17,000 beneficiaries, including women, youths, and farmers, have completed training in literacy and vocational skills, while an additional 24,000 are currently enrolled under the Ogun State Skills Fund,” he added.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, emphasised the project’s transformational impact on technical education in the state.
He noted that beyond rehabilitating technical colleges, the government has trained science teachers and empowered young people with startup kits to enhance employability.
While giving an overview of the project’s implementation, OGSTEP Coordinator, Mrs. Mosunmola Owo-Odusi, described the Implementation Support Mission as a critical platform for assessing progress, especially as the initiative enters its final year.
She commended the commitment and synergy across all implementing sectors, noting numerous accomplishments, including the rehabilitation and equipping of four Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) as evidence of the project’s broad and meaningful impact.
Stakeholders have, however, expressed optimism that the project is leaving behind a strong foundation for sustainable development, improved livelihoods, enhanced human capital, and a more enabling business environment in Ogun State.
