Ogun empowers 65,000 technicians, farmers, women

The Ogun State Government says it has trained and empowered technicians, farmers, women and youths in the last five years through its Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP). OGSTEP is a World Bank sponsored multi sectoral project focussing on Business Enabling Environment (BEE), agriculture, skills development and Governance and Public Sector Reforms. At the 7th […]

The Ogun State Government says it has trained and empowered technicians, farmers, women and youths in the last five years through its Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP).

OGSTEP is a World Bank sponsored multi sectoral project focussing on Business Enabling Environment (BEE), agriculture, skills development and Governance and Public Sector Reforms.

At the 7th Implementation Support Mission (ISM) for the OGSTEP held in Abeokuta on Monday, the teams from the government and the World Bank reviewed the progress report as the five-year project winds down.

State Commissioner for Finance, Dapo Okubadejo, who doubles as the Chairman of the Project Steering Committee, said over 65,000 technicians, farmers, women and youths have benefitted from the projects.

“In the agricultural sector, more than 24,835 farmers have been supported in crop production, aquaculture, and poultry. These efforts are transforming livelihoods and expanding food systems across Ogun State. Additionally, the rehabilitation of poultry pens and storage facilities is currently ongoing, enhancing capacity and reducing post-harvest losses.

“In the Skills Development component, we are rehabilitating and preparing to equip all eight Government Technical Colleges, thereby providing modern, functional learning environments. Over 17,000 farmers, youths, and women have completed training in literacy and vocational skills—empowering them with the tools needed for employment and entrepreneurship. Over 24,000 are still undergoing training in the Ogun Skills Funds (OSF),” Okubadejo, represented by Olaolu Olabimtan, Commissioner for Budget and Planning/Chairman Project Tech Committee, said.

 

 

 

Under the Business Enabling Environment, Okubadejo said over 15,000 Certificates of Occupancy have been facilitated—strengthening property rights and enhancing investor confidence.

 

 

 

The commissioner hinted that discussions are ongoing towards the extension of the project.

 

 

 

Under the scheme, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Abayomi Arigbabu, said the state has rehabilitated all its eight technical colleges, trained science teachers, youths and empowered them with startup kits.

 

 

 

Speaking on the “Journey So Far”, Project Coordinator,  Mrs Mosunmola Owo-Odusi explained that the aim of ISM is to review the progress of the project which is in the final year of its implementation.

 

 

 

She expressed satisfaction over the project’s impactful under the Gender and Safeguards Unit, where four Sexual Assault Referral Centers (SARCs) have been rehabilitated and equipped across the State.