CITIZENS COMPASS – 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 prioritising 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 that 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 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.
This development marks a significant shift in the political landscape of Osun State, as Aregbesola remains a prominent political figure in the region.
Aregbesola has had a strained relationship with the APC leadership in recent years, and his group’s exit could impact the party’s chances in upcoming elections. Political analysts suggest that the departure of The Omoluabi Progressives could lead to a reorganization of alliances and influence within the state’s political framework.
The group emphasized its commitment to pursuing its political goals outside the APC, hinting at possible alignment with other platforms or the establishment of a new movement. As the political dynamics in Osun State evolve, stakeholders are closely watching how this decision will affect both the APC and Aregbesola’s political future.
The move underscores the growing tensions within the party and highlights the challenges of maintaining unity in the face of internal disputes. With this development, it remains to be seen how the APC will respond to the departure of The Omoluabi Progressives and what implications this will have for the party’s future in Osun State.
