The Ogun government, through its World Bank-supported State Economic Transformation Project, stated that it has successfully educated over 15,000 craftsmen and merchants as part of its commitment to empowering residents and promoting entrepreneurial skills development in Nigeria.
Adesegun Fatoki, the OGSTEP project’s Skills Development Specialist, revealed this at a stakeholders’ meeting for market women, artisans, and traders held at the Obas’ Complex in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, according to a statement issued on Friday by the project’s communication officer, Simbo Olayinka.
Fatoki presented a statistical breakdown of the training, stating that “6,605 participants enrolled in vocational/ICT programs, 4,989 in entrepreneurship, and 5,288 in functional literacy training”.
He stated that the program prepares participants to manage their money and run enterprises successfully.
“To date, over 4,000 beneficiaries have completed their training under the first batch, while the second batch is currently underway across various trades.
“The third phase will target market women, artisans, and traders, bringing the program closer to local communities,” Fatoki said.
He invited qualified participants to register for the ongoing third batch on the website in order to have access to demand-driven skills training at designated facilities around the state.
Fatoki reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the initiative, emphasizing that the training is nonpartisan and intended to aid market women, artists, and traders.
Mrs. Ewajesu, OGSTEP’s Gender Specialist, discussed the program’s impact, emphasizing its objective of providing participants with necessary skills for today’s competitive economic world.
Ewajesu further said that “The training enhances literacy and business management capacities, boosting productivity and strengthening Ogun State’s economic fabric” .
Representatives from merchants’ associations in Remo, Ijebu, Yewa, and Egba districts thanked the state government for the effort and promised to organize their members for active involvement.
The stakeholders’ gathering highlighted OGSTEP’s commitment to promoting economic growth via skill development, with participants hopeful about the program’s transformational influence on their communities.
