By Precious Oluwole

The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has said that it is statutory that students learn the basics of agricultural practice and thereby contribute to national food security.

Governor Aiyedatiwa represented by his Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa officially launched the first Africa’s Multi-Skill Teenpreneurship project, (MSTP) at St. Louis Girls Grammar School in Akure stressed the critical role of equipping students with agricultural skills to address food insecurity challenges while fostering entrepreneurship among the youth.

This groundbreaking initiative, a partnership between the Ondo State Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology and the Lend-a-Hand Initiative (LAHI)/Accent Spring Initiative, marks a significant leap forward for education and technology in the State.

Governor Aiyedatiwa who lauded the partnership between the State and India said the project is to foster entrepreneurship in schools with a view to enhancing students’ employability and entrepreneurial acumen.

The Governor reiterated that his
administration is fighting tooth and nail to ensure the continued provision of functional education and human capacity development for its Citizenry.

Aiyedatiwa appreciated the commitment of the major stakeholders in the Ondo State Education Sector for making the project possible, most especially, the Parent-Teacher Associations, Old Students’ Associations, the Management Committees, and the leadership of the nine communities where the Multi-Skills projects are located.

Earlier, In her Welcome Address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, Mrs. Folasade Adegoke said acquisition with the right kind of skill is the catalyst to economic progress of any society which directly or indirectly puts an end to unemployment.

She said nine pilot schools were randomly selected for domestic of the project across the state, including St. Louis girls grammar school, Akure, Anglican grammar school, Igbara Oke, Imade college, Owo, Greater tomorrow international secondary school, Arigidi Akoko, Independence Grammar school, Ondo, Gboluji grammar school, Ile oluji, Manuwa memorial grammar school, Iju Odo, Oyenusi grammar school, Irele, Springtide high school, Igbatoro.

Mrs. Adegoke reiterated the unalloyed support of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration towards prioritizing Education as flagship of his REDEEMED agenda.

Vocational Tools/Equipment worth millions of Naira were procured and installed in all the nine secondary schools participating in the pilot phase of the programme as well as employed Vocational Instructors and Administrative Staff to manage the programme throughout the three years of the pilot phase.