The Ogun State Government has announced that more than 72,000 residents have benefited from the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), a World Bank assisted initiative, marking the completion of the project in the state. The beneficiaries include 39,000 people trained under its skills programme and 33,075 farmers supported with agricultural inputs, mechanisation services, and rehabilitated facilities. The project also facilitated the issuance of over 15,000 Certificates of Occupancy across Ogun State.
Speaking during the 8th and final Implementation Support Mission of OGSTEP in Abeokuta, Chairman of the Project Steering Committee (PSC), Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, described the achievements as unprecedented. He noted that the progress recorded in the last year demonstrates Governor Dapo Abiodun’s economic vision to build institutions, develop human capacity, and expand opportunities.
Okubadejo, who also serves as Commissioner for Finance, stated that the project improved land administration through the rehabilitation of seven zonal e-planning centres and the deployment of a modern GIS and Remote Sensing platform. According to him, this has made land processes more transparent and efficient for residents and investors.
In agriculture, he disclosed that farmers received 90,431 litres of agrochemicals, 17,945 bags of fertilizers, 195,436 bags of fish feed, and 77,703 bags of poultry feed. He added that agribusinesses benefited as the project enabled firms to offtake 283,582 tons of produce, boosting market access and strengthening value chains.
His words: “OGSTEP has empowered over 39,000 individuals, including 1,400 STEM teachers, 100 Quality Assurance Officers, 120 technical instructors, over 4,000 vocational trainees, 120 Ministry personnel, over 17,000 farmers, youths and women, and 60 artisans. Additionally, 8 technical colleges were rehabilitated and upgraded, and laboratories for 22 flagship schools and 4 Education Resource Centres were fully rehabilitated and equipped, bringing the total number of institutions completed 34.”
He praised the project team for their professionalism, saying the results reflect their dedication. Okubadejo urged citizens to protect the investments made, stating, “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 location have been used well.”
Chairman of the Project Technical Committee (PTC), Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, said the achievements were possible due to strong partnerships and disciplined work. He recognised the Governor’s role, noting, “Governor Abiodun’s political will and steadfast support have been the bedrock of the project’s progress.” He also appreciated the World Bank Task Team for providing technical direction throughout the implementation period.
Project Coordinator, Mosun Owo-Odunsi, explained that the mission marks the completion of the five-year World Bank support. She said the assessment was conducted to evaluate what has been achieved, what remains, and how Ogun can maintain progress.
Owo-Odunsi encouraged beneficiaries to apply the opportunities wisely, stressing that the Ogun State Government, with World Bank support, has invested heavily in infrastructure, human capital development, and tools. She urged them to ensure the benefits are maximised for long-term progress in communities across the state.
