Ogun State Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment says it will partner the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and other vocational training agencies, to ensure more youths acquire relevant skills needed for the industrial growth of the State.
Commissioner in the Ministry, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe made this known during a policy development programme with the theme; “Post-COVID-19 Rethinking Talent: Rewiring the Education to Employment” organised by the Odu’A Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture in conjunction with West Africa Vocational Education (WAVE), at the Commerce House, Ibara, Abeokuta.
Longe said collaborating with relevant agencies would help the State’s industrial sector address its increasing demand for skilled labour, due to its status as the State with highest number industries in the country.
” Ogun State is the Industrial capital of Nigeria because we have the highest number of industries in the country, and this has led to a continuous increase in demand for skilled labour among industries. That is why we want to partner the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and other vocational agencies, to ensure more youths get the necessary training for them to fit-in to these industries”, the Commissioner said.
She called on youths to also take responsibility by developing themselves in the area of punctuality, mannerism and other soft skills, stating that this would enhance their profile and boost chances of getting employed by various industries in the State.
Also speaking, the Convener, Ready for Work Movement and West Africa Vocational Education (WAVE), Miss Ruth David said the initiative was designed to train people with relevant skills, towards addressing skill-gap in industries, as well as solve the challenge of unemployment.
David noted that over 12,000 people in the south west have been trained and linked with more than 300 employers across the region, adding that the organisation would establish an academy in Ogun State as part of efforts to further train more youths.
