Vocational Training: Ogun state chambers of commerce signs memorandum of understanding with German organisation

Yanju Uwala in Abeokuta

The Ogun State Council of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)with  a German organization, GIZ-SKYE/SEQUA Cooperative DVT to scale up the German Dual Vocational Training (DVT).

Penpushing reports that, the agreement was signed by the Chambers President, Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye, and first Deputy President, Engr. Mike Akingbade and  representative of GIZ-SKY/SEQUA, Felix Nitz in Abeokuta and  emphasized that it was towards making the training programme more sustainable and profitable between the two countries.

The President of the Chambers in his own speech, highlighted how the training programme came into being in 2012 when few companies started the training in Lagos Centre and how it also started in Ogun State as a result of not having enough accommodation and stress of commuting.

“Today, we are happy that we have opportunity to continue the programme under GIZ Skills Development for Youth Employment (SKYE) with SEQUA (for own partner) as one of the implementer of the project”.

Penpushing further reports that, at the event, Ogun State Government made it clear of creating more jobs to support the technical professionals in the State, and to make skilled artisans  take up jobs and contract works with numerous industries.

The Commissioner for Industry,Trade and Investment, Mrs Kikelomo Longe  made this known adding that the singular efforts will create more jobs and employment opportunities within the State.

Penpushing also reports that,the Commissioner, who was represented by the Director of Commerce, Mr. Lere Opaleye, added that the State through the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, is organising programme for the Micro, Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (MSMEs).

“Because of the current COVID-19 pandemic protocols, these trainings programmes have been held virtually. We are also working with some selected Entrepreneurship Development Institutions (EDIs) in the state to train our entrepreneurs.

“The first batch of the training programme will accommodate 500 entrepreneurs and we are targeting 2000 entrepreneurs before the end of first quarter of year 2021. The certificate of this training is a major requirement for accessing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)-NIRSAL MESME Development Fund”.

Penpushing reports that, Commissioner, also added that the OGSG-BOI (MSME) Matching Fund Scheme, with some of the members of Ogun State Council of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) have benefited from, is still available within the Ministry, adding that the interest rate is 7% subsidized by the State Government for eligible businesses such as Agro-Allied concerns in Manufacturing and processing sectors.

“We are re-strategising with the Bank of Industry in order to reposition the Fund Scheme for the benefit out MSMEs. You are enjoined to visit the Fund Scheme’s Desk office in Room 328, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Block B, State Secretariat, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, for further enquiries”, she stated.

Penpushing further reports that the Special Adviser to the Governor on Technical Education, Prof. Joseph Odemuyiwa, who was also represented by the former Secretary, State Board for Technical Education, Olu Akinleye, said that the programme will be sustained, while they equally used the opportunity to wish those undergoing the training the best.

The first Deputy President, of Ogun State Council of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) Engr. Akingbade, in his closing remarks  appreciated all those who took their time to make themselves available at the programme.

“We thank our important visitors who are part of this great programme, also our students, we appreciate you for ability to gain these knowledge. So we appreciate everyone that has been able to come here today. Thank you all”, he said.