Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engineer Noimat Salako Oyedele, the Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola, the Director of International Press Centre, Mr. Lanre Arogundade and host of others have unveiled the Rockcity Centre for Media and Leadership Development (RCMLD) in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
The Centre was unveiled at the STEM education programme for female students of Public and Private schools in Ogun State held at the Taidob College, Asero, Abeokuta.
While unveiling the Centre, the deputy Governor commended Rockcity F.M for the initiative and emphasized the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in promoting national development.
Engineer Salako-Oyedele who narrated her personal story and how she defied stereotype to get to the pinnacle of her profession as an Engineer, encouraged the students to be focused, determined and dedicated in choosing career in STEM.
While leading the unveiling of the Centre, Mr Arogundade commended Dr. Niran Malaolu for scoring another first with the establishment of media development and leadership Centre in Ogun State.
In his welcome address, the Director of the Centre, Dr. Niran Malaolu explained that the Centre is a new initiative dedicated to strengthening youth leadership, digital literacy, media education, and STEM advocacy across Ogun State and Nigeria in general.
“With the support of its sister organisation, RockcityFM, has embarked on this journey of reawakening the interest of our younger generation in STEM.
“It is our belief that If we missed out during the industrial revolution, we MUST not miss out of today’s Technology-based Revolution.”
Dr. Malaolu called for partnership and collaboration with the Centre to encourage the young girls to pursue careers in STEM; and provide mentorship engagements, encouragement and assistance for these young women as they choose their STEM career pathways in life.
While delivering the lecture titled; ” Innovation, Entrepreneur and and Career Pathways in STEM, the guest speaker, Professor Titilola Aderonke Samuel, tutored the students on path to become successful in STEM careers.
Prof. Samuel, who is the head, Department of Biochemistry at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) urged parents, teachers, policy makers, community leaders to invest in girls education to promote national development.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Ogun State former Commissioner for Health, Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, his counterpart at the Ogun State Ministry of Environment, Chief Anthony Ojeshina, shared personal experiences to motivate the students to be dedicated and resilient in their pursuit of career in STEM.
Dignitaries who attended the event include Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu; Commissioner for Youth and Sport, Hon. Wasiu isiaka, and Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Adijat Adeleye represented by the Permanent Secretary, Barrister Adebimpe Obienu.
Others include the former Ogun State Commissioner for Information, Mr Kayode Samuel; and Director of RCMLD, Dr. Ebenezer Nkom.
Highpoint of the occasion was quiz completion focused on Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics conducted among selected secondary schools in Ogun State.
The quiz supervised by Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Abeokuta branch, Engr. Olumayowa Idowu, saw Taidib College clinching the first prize.
Abeokuta Girls Grammar School (AGGS) came second, while Reverend Kuti Memorial Grammer School.
The winners went with cash prizes, trophy and certificates.
