…Announces Complimentary Projects and Training Of 350 Children Across 7 LGAs
Arc Oyelola Yisa Ashiru, the deputy leader of the Nigeria Senate and senator representing Kwara South Senatorial District, has announced his commitment on collaborative efforts with the Offa and Environs Innovation Hub Offa (ONEIH) on a new complimentary project.
Also, he announced that his Foundation, Lola Ashiru Foundation will sponsor 350 children in the senatorial district for digital skills training at ONEIH. These children will be selected from the seven local government areas of Kwara South.
The trainees will be selected, transported, fed and accommodated during the course of the training.
Senator Ashiru made this revelation on Tuesday, January 16, during a visit to ONEIH, ONEIH-Kola Balogun Technology Center (O-KBTC), and ONEIH-Sports Academy that is under implementation at the Offa Industrial Park, Kwara State.
Expressing his dedication to “shared prosperity” and the belief in a “plurality of empire,” within all stocks in Kwara south Senatorial District, Senator Ashiru emphasized that civilization should not be domiciled in limited locations. He outlined plans to position Kwara South on the global map for prosperity.
Commending the ONEIH Board, he expressed admiration for the Offa Industrial Park and urged the institution to replicate the technological center in other areas of Kwara South. He also committed to facilitating a significant portion of the Nigerian Senate’s budget for ICT development at the hub.
Senator Lola Ashiru was accompanied by Chief Aare Adeoti, Chief Sunday Olosunde (SLA to Deputy President of the Senate), Alhaji Raji Bolaji (SLA to Deputy President of the Senate), and Hon. Tajudeen Abioye, among others.
ONEIH Board, led by Chief (Dr) Waheed Olagunju, Aare Bobagunwa of Offa land and Chairman ONEIH board, expressed delight and gratitude to Senator Lola Ashiru for his exemplary representation and consistent support for the advancement of Kwara State and Nigeria.
Dr. Waheed said the ONEIH and its subsidiaries were part of Offa’s Ten Year Development Plan (2022 – 2032) that was launched in Offa, December 2022.
“What we are doing here is implementation of aspects of the ten year development plan which is in line with Nigeria National development plan 2021 – 2025, the United Nations’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Agenda 2063 of the African Union and the High 5s of the African Development Bank . All we are trying to do is to ensure our people become productive.
“Luckily for us, as we were concluding the development plan, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released a report on multi dimensional poverty index in Nigeria and that provided the areas affected by Senatorial Districts. We studied the report on Kwara South Senatorial District and the identified shortcomings as well as recommendations, and incorporated them in the Offa ten-year development plan.
“That plan is meeting with the needs of the people, in terms of health care education amongst others.
“All groups in Offa are now taking cues from the development plan. It is only when our people are healthy and mentally developed that they will be physically developed. In view of the link between nutrition and health Agriculture is important and captured. It is when they are well fed and healthy and mentally sound that they can absorb education, training and be skillful . If the trio are met, they will become productive and earn income. It is when they earn incomes that they can meet the basic need of life. Poverty will reduce when people earn income.”
Members of the ONEIH Board present included Alhaji Bisi Oyeleke, Honourable Seun Ogunniyi Adato (Kwara State House of Assembly member representing Ojomu/Balogun Constituency), Engr. Abdulfatai Kolawole Yusuf (President of Offa Engineers), and Engr. Kazeem Jide Olatunde (Chief Operating Officer of ONEIH).
Senator Ashiru also visited the proposed ONEIH-Offa Sports Academy site and promised to support its actualization. He spoke with Dr. Akeem Oyewale, the Chairman of Offa Sports Academy and CEO Marble Capital Limited.
Senator Ashiru also provided some guidance on the structure using his wealth of knowledge as an architect.
Reacting, Dr. Oyewale said he is very happy that Senator Lola Ashiru shows interest in the Sports Academy and feels concerned about the welfare of the youths.
“We are happy he shows interest in the impact of sports in economic development and empowerment of the community. We are very grateful for his commitment to support the project.
“We know he also looks forward to Offa hosting an international tournament in the next couple of months.”
Summit University Offa Vice Chancellor, Professor Abiodun Musa Aibinu, was represented by Dr. A.O Murana, the varsity’s Director of Academic Planning.
Representatives from the Federal Polytechnic Offa (FEDPOFFA) included Dr. (Mrs) Mulikat Aliyu, Deputy Rector Academics, Engr MK Lawal (Nabil-Imam of FEDPOFFA), Mrs. Chidinma Nene, and Mr. Salako Malik from the PR Unit.
