Economic transformation depends on education, skills development — Ogun commissioner

Ogun State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, has said that the state government’s vision to modernize its eight technical colleges is grounded in the understanding that education and skill acquisition are critical drivers of sustainable growth.

Olabimtan, who is the Vice-Chairman of the Steering Committee for the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), said that the economic transformation of any state or nation depends significantly on education and skills development.

He spoke during an inspection of the ongoing rehabilitation of the Government Technical College, Ajegunle, in Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state.

“One of the pillars of this project is skill development. The whole idea is that you cannot have economic transformation without prioritizing education and skill acquisition, which are essential for the State’s growth,” Olabimtan said.

He also called on community leaders to collaborate with the government to ensure the sustainability and effective use of rehabilitated technical colleges.

The commissioner commended the Baale of Ajegunle, Chief Musibau Ogunpola, for his proactive engagement and encouraged other community leaders to adopt a similar approach.

“I am really happy the Baale is here, already taking ownership of this project. We want it to be a community-driven initiative where people see the college as their own, ensuring its security and encouraging them to enroll their children. That is the kind of partnership we are aiming for,” he added.

Mr. Olabimtan commended the contractor for adhering to quality and for promising to deliver some of the buildings well ahead of the deadline.

In her remarks, the OGSTEP Project Coordinator, Mrs. Mosunmola Owo-Odusi, assured the community that the college would be equipped with world-class infrastructure upon completion.

Represented by the OGSTEP Project Manager for the Skills Development Sector, Mr. Fatai Osunsanya, she highlighted the government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for learning and skill acquisition that aligns with global standards.

Similarly, Engr. Kayode Oseni, Project Engineer for OGSTEP, expressed confidence in the timely delivery of the project, stressing that all efforts were being made to ensure the facility was completed as scheduled.

The Baale of Ajegunle, Chief Musibau Ogunpola, expressed his gratitude to Governor Dapo Abiodun for prioritizing the rehabilitation of the technical college.

He pledged his community’s support in maintaining the facility and ensuring its security to promote its sustainability and impact.