The Ogun State Government through the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) has distributed starter kits to over 900 trainees in the second batch of the State Skills Fund.
The beneficiaries were trained in leather Works, Caregiving/Early Childhood, Painting and Decoration, GSM Repair, Cosmetology, ICT (Multi-Media) ICT (Computer Repair), Plumbing, Catering and Hospitality, Garment Making,
Electrical Installation, Carpentry and Joinery, Welding and Iron Bending, among others.
The distribution of the kits took place at the Government Technical College, Idi – Aba, Abeokuta.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Abayomi Arigbadu, said the training and provision of kits underscored the government’s commitment to empower the citizens through skills acquisition.
According to him, it is now difficult to get quality artisans as many people are forced to go to neighboring countries to attract quality artisans.
“Government is trying to make sure that we remove our people from poverty cycle.
“With what you have learnt and equipment, it’s our hope to make good use of it,” he said.
Arigbabu warmed them against selling of the equipment, saying if they make good use of it, it will enhance family and the state’s economy.
The Project Coordinator, Mrs Mosunmola Owo – Odunsi, described OSF as a baby of the OGSTEP, reiterating the government’s commitment to the economic emancipation of the people.
She also emphasized the plans for the establishment of work hubs and job centres artisans can enhance their skills and make use of facilities for optimal service delivery.
The Skills Specialist, Engr Segun Fatoki, disclosed that the project intends to train 25,000 people across the state.
“Ogun State Skills fund has a simple target: anybody we train must become self-employed or employed,”
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Abayomi Arigbabu assisted by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Oloko, her Ministry of Trade and Investment, Olu Ola Aikulola, and the OGSTEP Project Coordinator, Mrs Mosunmola Owo – Odunsi, performed the symbolic presentation of kits to some of the trainees.
Meanwhile, OGSTEP has also distributed laptops to teachers selected across the state and trained in Progressive Mathematics Initiative (PMI) and Progressive Science Initiative (PSI).
The symbolic presentation was done at Abeokuta Grammar School.
Mrs Oyebanjo Abimbola, a teacher at Ayetoro Community Grammar School, Yewa North LGA, praised government for the initiative.
“With this programme, I foresee a brighter Ogun State in the nearest future. I foresee our learners going to places confidently, defending what they have learned.
“It’s a welcome development and has come to stay, saying both teachers and learners would gain from it,” she said.
Mr Adekunle Qosim , teacher from Remo Secondary School, Sagamu, described it as a success story.
“It has helped performance and improve literacy level,” he said.
He applauded OGSTEP and government for the initiative.
He said there will be step down of the training for it to cut across the teachers in the state.
