…Signs Grant Agreement
The Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) have signed an agreement with GIZ-SEQUA to upscale its Cooperative Dual Vocational Training (DVT) in an event held recently at the Chamber’s Secretariat in Abeokuta the Ogun State capital.
The grant agreement geared towards making the DVT programme more sustainable and profitable between the two parties was signed by the Chamber’s President, Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye, Engr. Mike Akingbade (OGUNCCIMA 1st Deputy President) as well as the representative of GIZ-SEQUA, Mr. Felix Nitz.
While delivering his speech, Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye said the programme was initiated by the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Nigeria (DGIC) with the collaboration of Giessen – Friedberg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) from Germany in 2010 after a need assessment was conducted on industries in Nigeria, where it was observed that there were skill gaps in the following areas; Industrial Electronic, Industrial Mechanics, Technical Facility Management and Office Administration/Project Management and OGUNCCIMA however keyed into the training in 2012.
He said, “Today, we are happy that we have opportunity to continue the training programme under GIZ Skills Development for Youth Employment (SKYE) with SEQUA as one of the implanter of the project”.
On her part, the Ogun State Honourable Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe said the initiative would help towards jobs creation and helps to reduce skill gaps as identified in the industries and companies within the state and beyond.
The Commissioner who was ably represented at the epoch, making event by the Director of Commerce, Mr. Lere Opaleye noted that the state through the Ministry is organizing a programme for the Micro, Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (MSMEs).
He said, “We are working with some selected Entrepreneurship Development Institutions (EDIs) in the state to retain our entrepreneurs as the first batch of the training will accommodate 500 entrepreneurs and we are targeting 2000 entrepreneurs before the end of the first quarter of 2021”.
He reiterated that the training certificate would be a major requirement for accessing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) – NIRSAL MSMEs Development Fund.
While applauding the vocational and technical education drive of OGUNCCIMA, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Technical Education, Professor Joseph Odemuyiwa, who was represented by the former Secretary, Ogun State Board for Technical Education, Mr. Olu Akinleye said the DVT programme would be sustained and equally used the opportunity to wish the current apprentices undergoing the training programme a resounding success.
In his closing remarks, the First Deputy President of OGUNCCIMA, Engr. Mke Akingbade appreciated all those who attended the signing of grant agreement and the opening ceremony of Cooperative Dual Vocational Training as the Chamber would intensify its efforts to sustain the success recorded.
Some of the important dignitaries and members of the Chambers at the event includes; Alhaji Sakirudeen Tunji Labode, Alhaji S. Adebisi Bada, Sir Jare Oyesola (ABEOCCIMA President), Mr. Akinola Lawson (Immediate Past ABEOCCIMA President), Engr. Oluyomi Olutoye, Mrs. Jumoke Akinlolu – Okoya, Mrs. Suebat Gbadamosi (GIZ Junior Advisor), Mr. Jonathan Osadolor (GIZ), Otunba A. Babs Adesanya, Alhaji Moruf Popoola, Alhaji Maku, R.O (ABEOCCIMA Executive Secretary) among others.
