Abuja: The Ogun Government, in collaboration with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), has brought together stakeholders to promote sustainable skills development, employment, and enterprise initiatives across the state.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, over 70 individuals participated in the third Ogun Partners’ Workshop under the Sustainable Economic Development Cluster (SEDEC). The attendees included representatives from government, the private sector, civil society, and development partners.
Speaking at the workshop held in Abeokuta, Dr. Didier Tchoffo, SEDEC Cluster Coordinator, highlighted the workshop’s objectives, which include reviewing achievements, documenting lessons, and developing strategies to sustain program outcomes. Tchoffo, represented by Mr. Akinropo Omoware from GIZ, mentioned that participants would evaluate progress since the 2025 workshop and explore ways to institutionalize successful interventions within government policies, systems, and budgetary processes.
Tchoffo outlined key achievements, such as the establishment of the Ogun State Job Centre, Enterprise Development Agency, additional job centers, and stronger support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). He further noted that reforms in technical and vocational education, employment promotion, and business environment had improved competitiveness, export readiness, and inclusive economic development across the state.
He emphasized that discussions would focus on institutional ownership, stronger partnerships, and practical measures to sustain program gains beyond the current implementation phase. “Through collaboration between the Ogun state government, GIZ, and other strategic partners, significant milestones have been recorded in strengthening the state’s economic development ecosystem,” he said.
Ogun Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, reiterated the government’s commitment to private sector-led industrialization through enhanced collaboration with development partners and the organized private sector. Sofela stated that deliberate policies had created a more enabling business environment, while partnerships with GIZ had advanced job creation, enterprise development, innovation, and digital transformation in the state. He added that the state had reinforced sustainability through policy frameworks, legal backing, funding mechanisms, and public sector reforms, while integrating development programs into government institutions.
In his goodwill message, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, commended the partnership with GIZ for strengthening technical and vocational education, improving skills development, and enhancing graduates’ employability. Represented by the Director of Education, Department of Science and Technology, Mrs. Olutola Edun, the commissioner noted that the government was embedding education reforms into state policies to ensure long-term impact and expanded access statewide. Arigbabu expressed gratitude to the German government and GIZ for their ongoing support and voiced confidence that stronger partnerships would promote sustainable economic growth, quality education, and industrial development in Ogun state.