The Ogun State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, has emphasized the critical role of education and skill acquisition in achieving sustainable economic growth.
Speaking during an inspection of the ongoing rehabilitation of the Government Technical College, Ajegunle, in Ewekoro Local Government Area, Olabimtan highlighted the state’s vision to modernize its eight technical colleges under the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP).
“One of the pillars of this project is skill development,” Olabimtan said. “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, who also serves as the Vice-Chairman of the OGSTEP Steering Committee, called on community leaders to collaborate with the government to ensure the sustainability and effective utilization of rehabilitated technical colleges.
Commending the Baale of Ajegunle, Chief Musibau Ogunpola, for his proactive involvement, he said, “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.”
The commissioner also lauded the contractor for maintaining high standards and working to deliver some of the buildings ahead of schedule.
In her remarks, the OGSTEP Project Coordinator, Mrs. Mosunmola Owo-Odusi, assured the Ajegunle 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 noted that the government is committed to creating a conducive environment for learning and skill acquisition aligned with global standards.
Similarly, the Project Engineer for OGSTEP, Engr. Kayode Oseni, expressed confidence in meeting the project deadline, stressing that all efforts were being made to deliver a facility that meets the highest standards.
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, ensuring its security, and promoting its sustainability for long-term impact.