Ogun Trains Over 30,000 Skilled Youths, Launches Job Hubs Across Three Senatorial Districts

In another stride toward building a knowledge-driven economy, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has commissioned the Ogun Job Centre and Work Hub at the Government Science and Technical College, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, a milestone initiative that reinforces the State’s commitment to connecting skills with opportunities and preparing citizens for the future of work.

Represented by his Deputy, Engr. (Mrs.) Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the Governor described the initiative as a practical expression of his administration’s vision to build a vibrant economy driven by skilled, confident, and self-reliant citizens. She noted that the centre would serve as a convergence point for job seekers, entrepreneurs, and artisans to access career guidance, entrepreneurship support, and employment opportunities.

Governor Abiodun explained that similar centres in Ijebu-Ode and Ota are already operational, with plans to establish one Job Centre in each of the State’s 20 Local Government Areas. He said the initiative forms part of a long-term vision to institutionalize a system that promotes job creation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic growth for all residents of Ogun State.

Implemented through the Ogun State Skills Fund (OSF) under the World Bank–supported Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), and supported by the Governments of Germany and Switzerland through GIZ, the facility is designed as a one-stop hub providing job-matching services, modern CV clinics, business advisory sessions, and technical training for young people and artisans across the State.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor and Chairman, OGSTEP Steering Committee, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, said the Job Centre represents another major step in linking human capital development to the State’s economic growth agenda. According to him, while the Job Centres connect job seekers with employers, the Work Hubs provide artisans, apprentices, and master craftsmen with access to shared modern tools and workspaces that enhance productivity and innovation.

In her remarks, the OGSTEP Project Coordinator, Mrs. Mosunmola Owo-Odusi, disclosed that over 30,000 skilled workers have been trained in various trades under the Ogun Skills Fund initiative in the past two years, with more than 10,000 already improving their earnings through self-employment and microenterprise growth. She explained that the newly opened job hubs in Abeokuta, Ota, and Ijebu-Ode are equipped with state-of-the-art tools and serve as links between skilled labour and employers seeking qualified hands.

Girl-Child’s Day: NNPP Chieftain, Ajadi Urges Parents To Give Female Child Quality Education, Stop Genital Mutilation

A South West Chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, (NNPP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has used the occasion of this year’s International Day of the Girl Child to counsel parents on the need to stop female genital mutilation and make provision of quality education to girl child.

The International Day of the Girl Child is an international observance day declared by the United Nations; it is also called the Day of Girls and the International Day of the Girl. October 11, 2012, was the first Day of the Girl Child.

The observation supports more opportunity for girls and increases awareness of gender inequality faced by girls worldwide based upon their gender.

Ajadi in a statement on Saturday to mark this year’s edition of the Girl- Child Day, made available to Journalists congratulated all the girl-children as they celebrated their day.

Ajadi also urged parents not to discriminate against the interest of girl-child by providing them with quality education.

He cried out against the bad practice of girl-child genital mutilation, saying this practice is outdated and should be stopped.

Ajadi who is also a Philanthropist and a supporter of the youth, said there is nothing that makes Girl – Child inferior to their boys counterpart.

He particularly commended the giant steps being taken by the womenfolk in different fields of human endeavours.

According to the statement, “I used this year’s occasion of the International girl-child day to rejoice and congratulate our female children on their day today, Saturday October 11, 2025.

“Let me use this occasion to appeal to the parents to stop the bad practice of genital mutilation. They should also not discriminate against girl child by providing them with quality education.

“My experience in life has shown that the girl-child should be given equal right with their boys counterpart.

“Once again I call on all the parents to celebrate their Girl – Child and make their day a fulfilled one”.

Zamfara: PDP Assembly Candidate Kurya Defects to APC, Cites Security Failures Under Gov Lawal

In a significant political shift in Zamfara State, Hon. Muhammad Lawal Kuryar Madaro, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate who woefully lost the Kaura Namoda South State House of Assembly election, has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The move was announced today at a high-profile gathering organised by Hon. Yazeed Shehu Danfulani Projects at the Taula Arena in Gusau.

The defection comes just months after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared APC’s Kamilu Sa’idu the victor in the August supplementary election for the Kaura Namoda South constituency.

Returning Officer Lawal Sa’adu from the Federal University Gusau confirmed Sa’idu’s triumph, with the APC candidate securing 1,181 votes against Kurya’s 194 in the runoff.

Overall, across the constituency, the APC amassed 8,182 votes to the PDP’s 5,544, highlighting the APC’s strong grip despite the high-stakes contest reportedly backed by a multi-billion naira war chest from PDP Governor Dauda Lawal.

Kurya was reportedly sponsored with billions at the last election by Governor Dauda Lawal, yet faced rejection over the governor’s failures.

Having switched to the APC, he expressed disillusionment with his former party’s direction and the leadership of Governor Lawal.

He lambasted the Lawal administration for losing focus, particularly on security, which he blamed for his electoral defeat and the broader instability plaguing Zamfara.

However, he urged his followers to unite behind APC leader Dr. Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, in efforts to restore peace and progress.

The timing of Kurya’s switch could signal further defections in Zamfara’s polarised political landscape, where banditry and inter-party rivalries continue to dominate.