Amid growing concerns over the dearth of vocational skills among the youth and the relegation of technical education, Oyo State governor Seyi Makinde has said his government will refurbish technical colleges and relaunch vocational education in the state.
The governor noted that the initiative was aimed at addressing youth unemployment, stating that the Oyo State government, with the support of the Finnish Government, will refurbish technical colleges in the state.
Makinde stated this while speaking at the Ajegunle Baptist Church, Saki, at the funeral service for a former Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Chief Michael Koleoso, who passed away a few weeks ago.
The governor, who eulogised the late elder statesman for being selfless and always seeking the
development of his community and the state, said the quality of advice he received from Pa Koleoso helped him personally and also in the administration and development of the state.
He named the 9.7km Saki township road after the late politician, adding that the state executive council had also decided to rename The Oke Ogun Polytechnic, Saki, after Koleoso.
According to him, Koleoso never played politics of religion or divisive tendencies, as he always advised him (governor) on several matters of concern to the state, including the ongoing rehabilitation of roads in Ibadan, the state capital.
He said: “We thank God for today because we are here to celebrate a life well-lived. Undoubtedly, we have lost one of our finest minds in business, management, governance, or even politics.
“It is a personal loss to me because Baba told everybody till he breathed his last that though he had quit politics, he wouldn’t stop supporting Seyi Makinde’s government. So, I had the opportunity to spend quality time with Baba. And I can tell you that Baba never requested anything for himself or his children.’’