The House Committee on Innovation, Science and Technology and SDGs of Osun State House of Assembly has conducted an oversight of some government and private facilities in the State.
The committee led by its chairman, Adewumi Adeyemi accompanied by a team of the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology led by the Commissioner, Ayofe Oluwafunke Maruf paid an inspection visit to the facilities.
Among the locations visited were the RLG-Adulawo training institute in Ilesa, Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneur Centre in Dagbolu, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Vocational Centre in Iragbiji, and the Government Technical College in Osogbo.
Adeyemi who is representing Obokun State Constituency in the Assembly said the parliament is committed to revitalising the State-owned Vocational Centers that currently lay dormant.
He also expressed his disappointment at the current state of facilities and locked-up workshops at Government Technical College, Osogbo, emphasising the need for collective efforts to unlock the potential of these state-owned centres.
The chairman of the committee envisioned the adoption of technology to drive all sectors of the State’s economy, with the potential to transform Osun State into a technology hub within the South-West region.
He stressed that it was crucial to ensure the efficient utilisation of the locked-up state-owned Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneur Centre in Dagbolu and the SDGs Vocational Centre in Iragbiji.
“Likewise, we investigated the multi-billion naira facility at Osogbo Technical College, which has remained inactive for an extended period. I learned that this is a common situation in several other Technical Colleges in the State. We shall attend to the matters related to its non-utilization and guarantee its contribution to the welfare of the state.
“In today’s world, the digital economy is a driving force that the government must harness for growth and the well-being of the population. Therefore, we must promote the development and utilization of these facilities. The ministry must receive the necessary support and workspace.
“Reports will be presented on the floor of the house, resolutions will be made, and the house, under the leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun will follow up with appropriate action,” Adeyemi noted.
In an interview with journalists, the State Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, underscored the importance of utilising government facilities with available local content to foster innovation and economic growth.
While speaking, RLG Adulawo Technology City, Ilesa, Rasaq Animashaun, noted that the company is open to partnerships and alliances with governments and relevant stakeholders in ensuring that Nigerians enjoy more quality technology produced locally.
He said one of the challenges faced by indigenous tech companies is getting their products adopted locally.
Animashaun emphasised the need for state support and highlighted the potential for technology to drive education and economic growth.
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