Skills acquisition centre rotting away in Osun
From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
Three years ago, Adegboyega Oyetola, the former governor of Osun State, inaugurated four major projects, including the 1,000 capacity Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Dagbolu, Osogbo.
These projects were facilitated by the state government and financed by the federal government through the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, led by Mrs. Adejoke Adefulire.
In addition to the skills acquisition centre, Oyetola inaugurated a 200-bed abused women’s transit home, a Type A Skill Acquisition Centre, and an 80-bed Mother & Child Multipurpose Hospital, all located in Iragbiji, Oyetola’s hometown.
The skills acquisition centre was equipped with training tools for artisans, tailors, fashion designers, computer technicians, bricklayers, plumbers, barbers, and welders.
Oyetola emphasized the purpose of the 200-bed transit home, stating that it includes a canteen and a skill acquisition centre for vocational training to keep residents engaged. He noted that the Dagbolu centre was equipped with 250 sewing machines, 100 computer sets, 50 HP color printers, 20 sets of hairdressing equipment, and other accessories.
However, since the inauguration, the centre has remained closed, with weeds overtaking the exterior. Residents are left waiting for training programmes to commence, while the abandoned project deteriorates.
Tensions arose in November 2023 when the state government proposed using the Iragbiji centre to house the Osun United Football Club. Oyetola, now minister of marine and blue economy, criticized this decision, arguing that it undermined the original purpose of the centre, which was to promote youth development and entrepreneurship.
“This project was meant for our youths to acquire various technical and vocational skills. Transforming it into a football base is a disservice to its intended purpose,” Oyetola remarked. He expressed his commitment to advocating for the centre’s original mission.
Despite the state government’s denial of plans to convert the facility into a soccer base, they indicated that the usage would be temporary. They promised to include the project in the 2024 budget for rehabilitation.
Currently, the centres remain neglected. Observations reveal that part of the roof of the Dagbolu centre has been damaged by wind, and no repairs have been made, despite the equipment stored inside.
When contacted, the Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Bankole Omisore, acknowledged the damage caused by rainstorm and assured that efforts are being made to repair the centre. He emphasized the current administration’s commitment to rehabilitating the facility for public use, stating that all equipment are intact.
“The government is working diligently to rehabilitate the centre due to the storm damage. All equipment is still in good condition. We have approved the rehabilitation, and work will begin soon, including the launch of a content creation studio and STEM classes,” Omisore said.