AIYEDATIWA FLAGS OFF TRADE TEST CERTIFICATION FOR 500 YOUNG ARTISANS
…Restates Commitment To Technical Education, Entrepreneurship Innovation, Job Creation
The Governor of Ondo State, Hon(Dr) Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has emphasized the commitment of his administration to keep supporting initiatives that promote technical and vocational education, entrepreneurship innovation and job creation.
The Governor stated that the five technical colleges are being rehabilitated and equipped with necessary infrastructural facilities for the vocational and entrepreneurial training of the youths.
Aiyedatiwa was speaking at the flagoff of Young Artisans Trade Test Certification for 500 youths in Akure the state capital.
The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti assured that his administration would not only sustain but also improve on the collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
In his words, “we will also double our efforts to strengthen partnership with development organisations, the private sector and relevant Federal institutions to create more opportunities for our young people.”
“The Programme represents one of the important steps in our administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, wealth creation and sustainable economic development in Ondo State.”
“Technical and vocational skills remain critical to the development of any economy. Artisans such as electricians, automobile technicians and other skilled workers make significant contributions to our communities socioeconomic development on a daily basis.”
“Skills must not only be acquired, it must also be properly assessed, recognised and certified. Certification provides artisans with evidence of competence and gives prospective employers and clients greater confidence in the quality of services to be provided.”
“This initiative is particularly significant because it helps to bridge the gap between informal skills acquisition and formal recognition of competence. It will also enhance the employability and competitiveness of our young artisans and open doors to greater economic opportunities.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the roles of the development partners, the Federal ministry of Labour and Employment and Nigeria-German Center for Migration and Development, GIZ.
The Governor however urged the beneficiaries of the programme to avoid excessive financial requirements or charges, noting that they are expected to compliment the efforts of the present administration at making life easy for the people.
In his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Technical and Vocational Education, Ogbeni Tayo Oluyi said the initiative goes beyond giving certificates as the efforts would create a pathway to decent employment.
The Governor’s aide stated that the board for Adult, Technical and Vocational Education has commenced training of 110 youths on solar installation and maintenance.
Ogbeni Oluyi added that the trade test certification would give formal recognition to skills already acquired, enhance dignity of labour and open doors to local and international opportunities for the young artisans.
He commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his high degree of commitment to human development and promotion of vocational education which he said is capable of contributing hugely to socio-economic development.
There were also goodwill messages from the Component Manager of Nigeria-German Center for Migration and Development, Ayo Olugbode, Federal Controller in ministry of Labour and Employment, Nike Mogboruko and Senior Special Assistant to Governor on Youth Empowerment and Job Creation, Otunba Fadesola Ojamomi.
The artisans trade test certification programme is a collaboration of the state government with the Nigeria-German Center for Migration and Development and Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
