System Analyst
August 29, 2024
Osun ciitizens lives will be improved with innovation and digital skills- Gov Adeleke
Olubunmi Badiora
Osun State Government, as part of its agenda to improve the lives of its citizens, has reiterated its commitment to continue to elevate the lives of the people of the State through innovation and digital economy.
Governor Ademola Adeleke made this known at the official launch of Osun Up-Skill program held at the Governors office, Exco Lounge, Abere.
The Governor who was represented by the Chairman, House Committee on Information Communication Technology, Honourable Adewumi Adeyemi said that the partnership with GFA Technology and Wema Bank will unlock the full potentials of Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the state as one of the backbone of the economy of the State.
He explained further that through innovation, skills development, access to finance, and market expansion, the government will drive the state’s economic growth, thereby creating opportunities for all.
He therefore urged the people of the state to be fully engaged in this programme and ensure that everyone hears about, adding that participation will propel our dear State toward greater prosperity, and together a stronger and vibrant Osun State can be built.
The Honourable Commissioner for the Ministry of Innovation, Science, Technology and Digital Economy, Hon. Maruf Dele Ayofe while addressing the participants at the press conference said that the program is designed to equip 50,000 citizens in the crucial digital and soft skills for the 21st-century job market as this is in line with the National Digital Economy Policy Strategy framework, the United Nations Cooperation Framework, and the World Bank’s Digital Economy for Africa Initiative.
The Commissioner who was represented by Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Innovation and Science, Hon. Bamiyo Akinlosotu added that the Osun Up-Skill Program is more than just a training initiative, but a catalyst for economic growth, a bridge to job opportunities, and a foundation for nurturing local entrepreneurship and through the program, the state aimed to create a digital business data repository and an interactive platform connecting the government with the citizens, as well as fostering transparency and collaboration.
Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Science, Hon. Azeez Badmus in his remarks said that for a community to thrive, it has to go through an education which has to be skilled based and that is what the programme is all about while adding that as benefits of the training of the 50,000 citizens there will be a lot of progressive improvements in the quality of skills in the State as it would boost the economy of the State.
Mr. Adebola Omololu, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of GFA Technologies thanked the Governor of the State, Senator Ademola Adeleke for giving them the opportunity to be in the State for the training and added that they picked Osun State because it is believed to be cradle of civilisation for the Yoruba nation.
Mr. Omololu while describing what the programme is all about said it is going to be for 50,000 indigene and residents of the state, it will be in 5 cohorts comprising of 10,000 trainees at a time for 8 weeks, he added that official training will kick off on 30th September and its going to be hybrid comprising of virtual and physical training and that they are targeting some categories of service providers which include trade service, personal tech service, education sector, professional service.
He said that some of the reasons for coming to Osun State is to enable the people to get better tools, to be more productive, more efficient and by extension try to earn more money through upscale of their businesses.
The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Innovation, Science, Technology and Digital Economy, Mrs Olufunke Bukola Jolayemi in her vote of thanks appreciated the Governor for the support at all times.
She enjoined participants to make good use of the training by registering for it and charged them to inform others about the training and to make good use it by preparing to achieve maximally from it.
She announced that a website: osunupskill.osunstate.gov.ng has been created for the training, and urged everyone to register on it.
The representatives of Wema Bank, Osun Tech Community and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Osun State Chapter in their goodwill messages thanked the State Government for bringing the programme to the State. They opined that the programme which is a much anticipated one came into existence at the right time, when the people needs it, while adding that the training will be very impactful not only for employability purpose but to also add to the digital economy of the State, and that Wema Bank, the tech community as well as NANS in Osun State is ready to partner and collaborate with them to ensure that it becomes successful.
