The Ogun State Government, through the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project OGSTEP, on Monday held its 8th Implementation Support Mission, marking a major milestone in its economic development efforts. According to officials, more than 51,000 residents have been empowered since 2019 through programmes in agriculture, education, gender inclusion and other areas. The event also signalled the end of the five year World Bank supported project.
The mission, which took place at Park Inn by Radisson in Abeokuta, showcased achievements, including the issuance of more than 15,000 Certificates of Occupancy, assistance to 33,075 farmers, and the training of over 39,000 individuals through capacity building initiatives. Speaking at the event, Mr Dapo Okubadejo, Chairman of the Project Steering Committee, said that OGSTEP has driven transformation that strengthens institutions, enhances human capital, expands economic opportunities, and positions Ogun as a hub for sustainable growth in Nigeria.
He explained that OGSTEP directly supported 33,075 farmers statewide, including 27,547 crop farmers, 4,256 aquaculture farmers and 1,272 poultry farmers. The project also supported the mechanisation of 9.014 hectares, delivery of 90,431 litres of agrochemicals, and distribution of 17,945 bags of fertiliser. Under aquaculture, farmers received 195,436 bags of nutritious fish feed, while poultry farmers got 77,703 bags of poultry feed and rehabilitated poultry pens. According to him, “to date, agribusiness firms have offtaken 283,582 tons of agricultural produce under the project.”
Okubadejo praised Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun for his support and guidance, noting that the governor’s leadership helped OGSTEP deliver meaningful results across multiple sectors. He stated, “Today marks an important milestone not just for the project, but for the development trajectory of Ogun State. As we reflect on the achievements of OGSTEP, key outcomes under the project’s pillars show clear improvement.” Under the Business Enabling Environment pillar, OGSTEP facilitated over 15,000 Certificates of Occupancy to strengthen property rights and improve investor confidence. Seven zonal e planning and Land Administration Centres are being rehabilitated to modernise land processes, while a Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing platform is being deployed to make land title processing more transparent and efficient.
He added that OGSTEP empowered more than 39,000 people, including 1,400 STEM teachers, 100 Quality Assurance Officers, 120 technical instructors, 4,000 vocational trainees, 120 ministry staff, thousands of farmers, youths and women, and 60 artisans. He disclosed that eight technical colleges were rehabilitated and upgraded, laboratories for 22 flagship schools and four Education Resource Centres were fully equipped, bringing the total number of completed institutions to 34. He stressed that these achievements reflect the dedication of the Project Technical Committee, the Coordinator, the Sector Implementation Units and the entire team whose commitment ensured the success of OGSTEP.
Also speaking, the Ogun State Coordinator of OGSTEP, Mrs Mosunmola Owodusi, said the final support mission marked the end of the World Bank funded project. She noted that the review process was held to take stock of what has been achieved, what remains pending, and how to stay on track toward expected results. Owodusi urged beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunities provided, explaining that Ogun State Government, with World Bank backing, invested heavily in infrastructure, human capital and tools for citizens. She stated, “My call to the people is that we should use it well, let’s multiply, let’s take ownership so that in another five years, anyone who comes will be able to see these things that have been making the economy of Ogun State better and the location has been used well.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Project Technical Committee, Hon. Olaolu Olabimtan, commended Governor Abiodun and described his leadership as the foundation of OGSTEP’s progress. He said that during the implementation period, Ogun witnessed efforts to enhance service delivery, strengthen institutions, expand economic opportunities, and build systems that support inclusive development.
