TVE: ‘Youths Must Be Empowered to Drive Change, Boost Devt’
Funmi Ogundare
The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has stressed the need for stakeholders to continue to encourage and empower the youths in the area of technical education, which he said is the basis for innovation that drives change and brings about development in any country.
Ambode made this known recently during the handingover ceremony to the state government of a construction centre at Government Technical College, Odomola, Epe, built by its students, but supervised and donated by Julius Berger Plc.
He expressed delight about the project, saying that it would attract and empower more youths in the college.
Ambode, who was represented by the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Olufemi Odubiyi, said “I am impressed with what they have done and I am sure the state government will ensure that the teeming youths key into technical education in this era of change. There is room for everybody to play. Vocational skills can be appreciated in the society from what we can see here, overall its good tidings for youths. As long as they go into programmes such as this, they will be empowered.”
He commended the management of the institution, as well as Julius Berger for the CSR contribution to the project, saying, “I hope we can continue this partnership with JB and even increase the momentum while leveraging on the structure with the college. We will keep track of their progress and activities and do whatever we can make out of their skills. We like to see more of the project in the state.”
The Principal of the college, Mr. Isiah Olufemi Olayiwola, who expressed satisfaction about the work done by his students in block-laying/ concreting, plumbing and pipefitting, carpentry and electrical installation sections, said they can compete favourably with other engineers that undertake building projects in the society.
He called on parents to send their wards to technical colleges, adding that such people could always set up their own businesses and take up employment quickly from organisations or move on with their qualified certification to higher institutions compared with graduates who carry their certificates around seeking for white collar jobs.