THE HEAD OF SERVICE OF OGUN STATE, MR. KEHINDE OLUFEMI ONASANYA, MNIPR, AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY

TEXT OF THE SPEECH DELIVERED BY THE HEAD OF SERVICE OF OGUN STATE, MR. KEHINDE OLUFEMI ONASANYA, MNIPR, AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY OF STUDENTS OF THE PETER AKINOLA FOUNDATION (PAF) YOUTH CENTER FOR INDUSTRIAL TRAINING HELD AT THE PAF CENTER, OBADA-OKO, OGUN STATE, ON WEDNESDAY, 24TH SEPTEMBER, 2025.

Protocols

I consider today as a moment of pride and celebration, particularly as we gather to honour the achievements of the students of the Peter Akinola Foundation (PAF) Youth Centre for Industrial Training. This occasion represents more than a ceremony; it is a recognition of your dedication, resilience and determination to equip yourselves with the skills that will shape your future and contribute meaningfully to society.

I must seize this opportunity to salute the vision behind the establishment of this Institute by an Elder Statesman and highly esteemed God’s General and the former Anglican Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Dr. Peter Akinola for his unwavering commitment to the development of vocational training over the years which has indeed underscored the provision of the much-needed manpower to drive our industry and the economy. Baba, we salute your vision, sir. Olorun a tunbo da emi yin si fun wa. What Dr. Peter Akinola is doing for humanity resonates deeply in the quotation of the renowned Indian lawyer and anti-colonial activist Mahatma Gandhi, which says, “The object of basic education is the physical, intellectual, and moral development of youths through the medium of handcraft and skill acquisition.” Peter Akinola Foundation PAF has continued to standardize technical and vocational education and equip their students with relevant skills to boost the nation’s economy. Sir, this you continue to do without making profit or personal gains but for the betterment of our society. God bless you sir.

Permit me to say at this junction that technical and vocational training will continue to bridge the employment gap. The Civil Service is already saturated and can not definitely absolve the thousands of graduates being turned out year in year out by our Higher Institutions of learning. Vocational training gives opportunity for self-development and wealth creation. Graduates from this vocational institution do not just receive certificates; rather, they unlock a world of possibilities.

I must reiterate that the Ogun State Government remains irrevocably committed to vocational education as a vital tool for empowering individuals, driving innovation, and stimulating sustainable economic growth. What PAF is doing aligns perfectly with this vision, hence the need for continued synergy and collaboration to further expand opportunities, strengthen capacity development, and ensure that more citizens benefit from skills that enhance their livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to the State’s overall development.

The present administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON believes in the system that values practicality, creativity and problem-solving approach. This commitment is clearly demonstrated through the Ogun State TVET initiative which focuses on enhancing Technical and Vocational Education to boost youth employability and entrepreneurship, with a major component being the 2024 TVET scholarship for 1000 girls supported by World Bank. Also, through the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project, OGSTEP, our technical colleges are being rehabilitated and equipped with modern tools and machinery. The revival effort is part of the State’s broader commitment to developing its physical infrastructure and human capital across various education sub- sectors.

To the graduands of today, I extend my warmest congratulations. The skills you have acquired from this Centre are bound to open doors to new opportunities, whether in your chosen trade or profession. You are equipped to make a meaningful impact in your communities and industries. Remember, vocational skills are the backbone of our economy, and your contributions will be invaluable.

As you move forward, I enjoin you to stay focused, be resilient, and continue to learn and adapt. Your determination and passion will drive your success while your skills will serve you well in your future endeavors. I want to urge you to believe in yourselves, trust your abilities, and never stop striving for excellence.

Once again, I appreciate Baba Peter Akinola and the entire Management of Peter Akinola Foundation (PAF) for providing this great opportunity for entrepreneurship and employability, particularly in the Gateway State.

Thank you all for listening and God bless.

Igbega Ipinle Ogun, Ajose Gbogbo Wa Ni!

KEHINDE OLUFEMI ONASANYA, MNIPR
HEAD OF SERVICE, OGUN STATE
WEDNESDAY, 24TH SEPTEMBER, 2025.