The Ogun State Government has trained more than 30,000 skilled youths in the past two years and has launched the Ogun Job Hub in Abeokuta, while two others in Ota and Ijebu-Ode are already operational. The initiative forms part of a broader effort to reduce unemployment and expand access to decent work through skill-based empowerment.
Speaking at the commissioning held at the Government Science and Technical College, Idi-Aba, Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, described the project as the dawn of a new era of opportunity and empowerment for Ogun youths. He said the hub is not just a building but “the audacious beginning of a life-changing initiative” that connects skill, innovation, and enterprise.
He explained that job creation remains a central pillar of his administration, adding that the project , implemented through the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) with support from international partners such as the World Bank, the German Cooperation (Deutsche Zusammenarbeit), the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is designed to build a confident and competitive workforce for the 21st century.
In his goodwill message, Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, described the job centre as pivotal to the state’s economic transformation, commending the governor for sustaining investment in youth empowerment through infrastructure upgrades, educational reform, and innovation-friendly policies.
Reinforcing this point, Chief Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, noted that over 21,000 youths had earlier been trained under OGSTEP before the establishment of the hubs. He explained that the new centres would provide the critical bridge between skilled workers and potential employers, helping to convert training into meaningful livelihoods.
The Country Director of GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr. Markus Wagner, lauded Ogun State’s partnership-driven approach, noting that the hub is one of ten supported nationwide. Similarly, the Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy, Dr. Karin Jansen, emphasised that tackling unemployment requires collaboration, observing that “government alone cannot do it; partnerships like this promote self-reliance, talent, and innovation.”
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, said the initiative complements the state’s education reforms and will shift the emphasis from job seeking to job creation. He described the project as a strategic step toward building a knowledge-driven and resilient economy.
The Olota of Ota, HRH Oba Prof. Abdulkabir Obalanlege, applauded the state government for establishing the job hubs, calling them a timely intervention that would help many young people become self-reliant and employers of labour in their communities.
Project Coordinator of OGSTEP, Mrs. Mosunmola Owo-Odusi, explained that the Ogun Skills Fund under the World Bank–supported project has trained more than 30,000 artisans and professionals across trades such as fashion design, plumbing, cosmetology, and professional cleaning. She disclosed that over 10,000 trainees now enjoy improved earnings and working conditions. According to her, the job hubs fully equipped with modern tools provide spaces for production, mentorship, and job placement, while also helping participants develop professional CVs and interview skills.
In the same vein, Programme Component Manager, Skills Development for Youth Employment (SKYE II), GIZ Nigeria, Ms. Svjetlana Djokic, said the initiative aims to “build partnerships, create job opportunities, and change mindsets in the labour market,” stressing that sustained collaboration remains key to long-term impact.
Further highlighting the institutional dimension, Skills Development Specialist, Engr. Adesegun Fatoki, revealed that the National Council on Establishment has approved the integration of the National Skills Qualification (NSQ) framework into Nigeria’s scheme of service, ensuring formal recognition for vocational training and assessment.
Some beneficiaries shared their success stories. Miss Bolaji Kareem, a fashion designer, said the training helped her expand her business and train apprentices. Likewise, Mr. Azeez Olatunji, a plumber, noted that his improved skills now enable him to handle larger contracts, while Mrs. Adebimpe Alade, a professional cleaner, said she was able to get the job through the Centre
