OGUN STRENGTHENS EDUCATION SECTOR, EMMERGES FIRST IN SKILLS DEVELOPMENT DRIVE - ABIODUN

  OGUN STRENGTHENS EDUCATION SECTOR, EMMERGES FIRST IN SKILLS DEVELOPMENT DRIVE - ABIODUN

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As part of ongoing efforts to reposition Ogun State as Nigeria’s leading hub for education and workforce development, the State Governor has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a modern, innovative, and globally competitive learning ecosystem.

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  Speaking while presenting the Year 2026 Appropriation Bill, titled the “Budget of Sustainable Legacy, Prince Dapo Abiodun highlighted sweeping reforms undertaken under the Education and Human Capital Development Pillar, noting that the State has made historic progress in strengthening both infrastructure and capacity across the education and skills development value chain.

‎          According to the Governor, the State had strengthened the Education Management Information System (EMIS) to improve planning and accountability, rehabilitated science laboratories in selected public secondary schools, and completed the full renovation of all eight Government Technical Colleges, thereby creating conducive, modern, and future-ready learning environments for the youths.

‎          Governor Abiodun noted that Ogun State consolidated its position as the national leader in skills development during the year , as the State became the first in Nigeria to institutionalize the Nigerian Skills Qualifications Framework and the first to receive NBTE license to operate a National Skills Qualifications Awarding Body .

‎          The Governor also said Ogun State became the first in the country to establish a dedicated Skills Funding Agency, the Ogun State Skills Fund, created by Executive Order and also pioneered Results-Based Contracting for skills financing, a model now adopted by the Federal Government for national TVET programmes.

‎          He further explained that the State strengthened its TVET ecosystem through the complete revamping of the eight Government Technical Colleges under OGSTEP and by setting up integrated Job Centres with Work Hubs. These centres could link citizens to employment opportunities and support self-employed individuals with tools and equipment, revealing further that the State also became the first to pilot the use of National Occupational Standards for training apprentices in the traditional apprenticeship system.

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‎Mistura Oshileye & Busola Morakinyo

‎Information and public Relations Officers, OGSTVEB

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GOV. ABIODUN PRESENTS 2026 BUDGET; BRANDED AS BUDGET OF SUSTAINABLE LEGACY

In what has been tagged as a Budget of  sustainable legacy, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has presented to the State House of Assembly, a total of ₦1,668,997,993,125.44 (₦1.669 trillion), as the  proposed Budget for the 2026 fiscal year, representing a 63% growth over the 2025 Budget. The proposed expenditure comprises ₦624.76 billion (37%) as recurrent expenditure and ₦1.044 trillion (63%) as capital expenditure.

Presenting the Budget for  approval and eventual passage at the hallowed Chamber of the House, at Oke-Mosan Abeokuta, Gov. Abiodun, said his administration had to assess all the economic indices against all odds and despite the prevailing economic challenges, the government had remained steadfast in its commitment to building a strong and productive economy, with empowerment of citizens and promotion of inclusive development across all sectors, noting that with firm belief in unity of purpose, faith and courage, 2026 would be a more prosperous and vibrant season for the State.

 He said the 2026 budget would complement and sustain the legacies that had been laid on ground  since the advent of the present administration, over  six years ago, describing the years as that of steady progress, thoughtful investment and purposeful governance which  captured the gains of previous budgets that had workable reforms and  projects deliveries that were sustainable, enduring and fit for the future, revealing further that, this would be the last fully implementable budget of the present  Administration.

  While presenting the breakdown of the Budget, the Governor categorically stated that, priority attention would be given to the   ISEYA Development pillars that include; Infrastructure, Social Welfare and Well-being, Education and Human Capital Development, Youth Empowerment, and Agriculture & Food Security and Health. These pillars have been segmented under the following Ministries, Departments and Agencies, namely, Education, Health, Agriculture, Works and Infrastructure, Housing and Community Development.

The analysis revealed further, that infrastructural development took the higher percentage from the capital expenditure with 32%, as it was believed that, with good infrastructure on ground, employment generation would be enhanced as more factories and industries would be situated in such climes, which ultimately would initiate stronger revenue potentials.

         Education was next in line with 17%, because of the need to continually upgrade the sector to conform to the best available global standard and to also cater for the ever increasing population, occasioned by the visible development that adorned the State across board. The analysis revealed further that the Health sector took 13%, a gradual increase that would improve the sector and make health care assessible and affordable for all, just as Housing and Community Develoment took 10% amongst others.

As the Budget presentation gradually drew to conclusion, Governor Abiodun opined that the 2026 Budget would be more than just a financial document, as it would be a bold statement of purpose and a strategic roadmap to a prosperous, inclusive and economically resilient Ogun State, noting in retrospect, that in the past six years, the State economy had grown to an estimated Gross Domestic Product of about Seventeen Trillion Naira (₦17 trillion).

  He also revealed that the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) had also grown considerably from about Fifty-Two Billion Naira (₦52 billion) in 2020 to close to One Hundred and Ninety-Two Billion Naira (₦192 billion) as of 2024, and is projected to reach about Two Hundred and Fifty Billion Naira (₦250 billion) by the end of year 2025.

 

 OGIS

 

OG-CARES PROJECT   ENCAPSULATES    ISEYA MANTRA –FINANCE COMM

The execution of Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) 1.0, domesticated in Ogun state as OG-CARES fits into Governor Dapo Abiodun's ISEYA's Mantra, of improving people's livelihoods and transformation of the State's economy.

The State Chief Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, who is also the Chairman, State CARES Steering Committee (SCSC), Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, made this known while addressing the Federal Documentary Team of the NG-CARES, led by Engr. Oluwafemi Falowo, who were in the State to capture achievements and share data for the production of a Television documentary on the success of NG-CARES Programme across the Country.

Okubadejo explained that the project came at the right time when many people had become vulnerable due to the plaque of COVID-19, thus, the provision of financial and technical support to the masses under the Three Result Areas and the five Delivery Implementation Platforms which included: Labour Intensive Public Works, Livelihood Support Programme, Community and Social Development Programme, FADAMA and Ogun State Agriculture and Multi-Purpose Credit Agency (OSAMCA), which were domiciled in more than seven Agencies in Ogun State.

Affirming this also was the  Commissioner for Budget and Planning, who  also is the Vice Chairman, (SCSC), Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, said over 125,000 poor and vulnerable were positively impacted through the implementation of OG-CARES 1.0, which covered Infrastructures, Social Welfare and well-being, Education, Youth Development as well as Agriculture.

"OG-CARES is fully ready for the commencement of OG-CARES 2.0, as already approved by Prince Dapo Abiodun, judging by the success of project 1.0. We may thus, need to rejig the operation to make it better in the future and the subsequent operations for more effectiveness and efficiency," Olabimtan said.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Development Partners Coordination, who is the Secretary of the State Steering Committee and Head, Ogun State CARES Coordinating Unit, Dr. Bayo Adenekan, added that OG-CARES Project Development Objective was in tandem with the vision of the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, which focused on individual prosperity of every citizen and provision of economic enhancement for the people of the State.

According to him, the programme development objectives of OGUN-CARES included; expansion of livelihoods of the poor and vulnerable,  food security by empowering farmers with inputs, building of  capacity, equipment and grants to small and medium scales businesses across Ogun State, while also ensuring gender balancing, priority for the aged as well as consideration for people with special needs.

"When we empower the females, they become more active, the more we do, the better the society becomes. The vision of Prince Dapo Abiodun also seeks to ensuring individual prosperity of citizens and economic development of the State," he stated.

Earlier, leader of the Team, Engr. Falowo Oluwafemi, said the planned documentary was meant to showcase NG-CARES results in the country as the exercise was ongoing across the 36 States and Federal Capital Territory, simultaneously, saying there were over 17 million beneficiaries across the country.

Falowo disclosed further that, a House Committee on NG-CARES had been put in place at the House of Representative and that steps were already in the pipeline to making NG-CARES, a Commission to house all social investment programmes in the country with its domestication of every State of the Federation in line with its own peculiar design per State.

The State Accountant-General and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Tunde Aregbesola, Auditor General Mr. Akorede  Balogun and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mr. Mufutau  Towolawi, also shared their respective experiences, saying prompt release of funds, accurate record keeping and strict adherence to Operational Manual with close monitoring of spending, aided the success of OG-CARES Programme implementation in the State.

 

Tunwase Dokunmu,

Information and Public Relations Officer, Communication/ICT Officer, OG-CARES FADAMA

         

 

OGUN SUBEB CELEBRATES INTERNAL AUDITOR, SECRETARIAT ASSISTANT

The Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has honoured its retiring Internal Auditor, Alhaji Tajudeen Yusuf and Secretariat Assistant, Mrs. Dorcas Fadipe, as they concluded 35 years of dedicated service to the State.

The retirement ceremony, which took place at the Board’s Conference Room in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, brought together Board members, senior officials, staff, friends and family members who gathered to celebrate the exceptional contributions of the officers.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Board, Evangelist Olalekan Ifede, praised the professionalism and unwavering dedication of the retirees, noting that their diligence consistently strengthened the Board’s operations. He encouraged them to remain active even in retirement, while urging serving staff to uphold integrity, transparency and commitment to duty.

Also speaking, Permanent Member I, Barrister Femi Odufowokan, commended the maturity, integrity and calm leadership style of the celebrants. He described them as dependable team players whose contributions promoted harmony and efficiency within the Board.

In his welcome address, Board Secretary, Mr. Olubori Akinleye, expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the officers throughout their years of exemplary service. He congratulated them for their steadfast commitment to accountability and transparency.

The Director of Finance and Accounts, Mr. Yemi Bamgbose, also lauded the retirees, describing them as humble, approachable and supportive individuals whose exemplary work ethic made a positive impact across all units of the Board.

A staff member, Mrs. Mary Opadiran, further described Alhaji Yusuf and Mrs. Fadipe as committed, sincere and diligent officers, who discharged their duties with utmost integrity.

Responding on behalf of both celebrants, Alhaji Tajudeen Yusuf expressed profound gratitude to the Board, management and staff for the honour accorded them, assuring that they would not take it for granted. He prayed that their colleagues would also be celebrated at the end of their careers.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of gifts and cash awards to the retirees by Board members, the League of LGEAs Auditors and the Internal Audit Unit.

 

Gafar Alabi,

Information and Public Relations Officer, SUBEB

 

 

NMFWP: OGUN TARGETS 105000 WOMEN FOR ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT IN FOUR LGAS

The Ogun State Government, in collaboration with the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up Project (NMFWP) has scaled up its targets to improve the livelihood and well-being of about one hundred and five thousand women in four local government areas of the State, which are, Ado-Odo/Ota, Ifo, Sagamu and Ijebu Ode Local Government.

The State Project Coordinator, Mrs. Bolanle Fadairo, disclosed this during a market sensitisation drive tagged “Market Storm” at Lusada Market in Igbesa, Ado -Odo Ota Local Government area of the State, explained that the awareness campaign was aimed at forming Women Affinity Groups (WAGs), which would serve as platforms for implementing various interventions that would address the social and economic needs of women.

Mrs. Fadairo stated that the Market Storm initiative was introduced to educate traders on the benefits they could gain from the programme which included knowledge of life skills, personal initiative, market responsive skills and financial management through training, coaching and mentorship.

She added that the project would also develop profitable value chains and link women entrepreneurs to existing markets for their products and services.

The State Project Coordinator enjoined traders to participate in the programme by joining any WAG in their wards, stressing that there would be no discrimination based on religion, ethnicity, political affiliation or social class.

She further noted that the project would enhance the entrepreneurial journey of beneficiaries and support broader efforts to expand economic opportunities and promote inclusive growth across the State.

In an earlier visit to the palace of the  Onigboko of Orile Igboko, Ado- Odo Ota, Oba Olasunkanmi  Yusuf and his counterpart, the Olodan of Odan , Oba Engr, Teslim Nasir, they commended the State government and the Nigeria for Women Project for initiating the programme in their domains, noting that the initiative would help women generate additional household income, improve the quality of life of family members and contribute to the rapid development of their communities, the State and the Country at large. They also appealed for the inclusion of an intervention programme for men.

The leader of the Women Affinity Groups, Mr. Kikisagbe Kayode, described the programme as a welcome development, adding that WAG members were prepared to work towards ensuring that the vision of the project was fully achieved in their local government, which would, in turn, enhance their livelihoods and businesses.

In another development, the sensitization train also moved to Awolowo market in Sagamu local government where the State project coordinator, Mrs. Bolanle Fadairo, said the essence of the Awolowo market visit, was to sensitise and mobilise women for the scale up programme.

Speaking, Iyaloja of the market, Chief Mrs. Esther Osilesi, commended the State government for the initiative to empower women and to make them self-reliant, pledging her commitment and the traders support so as to make the programme a success in the area.

 

Folake Ogunboyejo & Tayo Olusanya,  

Information and Public Relations Officers, Ministry of Women Affairs

 

                                                                             

HISTORIC CHANGE AS FOUNDING BOT CHAIRMAN OF ARHS&PS RETIRES, OTUNBA OSOKOYA STEPS IN

A new chapter has opened in the leadership of the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries (ARHS&PS) of Ogun State as Otunba Babatunde Osokoya, mni, has been elected, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) as his election followed the retirement of the Association’s founding BOT Chairman, Chief O. B. Okuboyejo.

Revealing the historic change was the Association’s Publicity Secretary, Otunba Abiodun Awere, who said, Chief Okuboyejo stepped down at the age of 93 after many years of distinguished selfless service to the Association which he co-founded in 1999.

Speaking at the Association’s Quarterly General Meeting, the outgone Chairman, Chief Okuboyejo expressed profound gratitude to members for the privilege to serve and for witnessing the growth and numerous achievements of the Association, calling on members to continue to uphold the aims, values and core objectives of which the Association was formed.

Consequently, members unanimously elected Otunba Babatunde Osokoya as the new BOT Chairman to ensure continuity and sustained progress.

During the meeting, Barrister Demola Badejo, who was recently elected, Regional President of the Association of Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, South-West Nigeria, stepped aside from his role as Vice-Chairman of the Ogun State chapter, while Alhaji Korede Lawal was thereafter elected as the new Vice-Chairman of the Association.

The Chairman of the Association in Ogun State, Engr. Niyi Abiola, appreciated all members for their immense contributions and sacrifices toward the development and success of the Association, saying they remained committed to promoting the welfare of its members, contributing to good governance and upholding the integrity and legacy of the Ogun State Civil Service.

 

Otunba Abiodun Awere

Publicity Secretary

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Babajide Jokotagba

Editor, OGIS.

Ministry of Information & Strategy, Ogun State