32nd Iragbiji Day: Oyetola Condemns Osun Govt’s Decision To Turn Iragbiji Skills Acquisition Centre Into Soccer Base

 Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola , has condemned the decision taken by the Osun state government to turn the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)- funded Skills Acquisition Centre in Iragbiji which was built by the Federal Government, into a soccer base.

The former Osun state governor disclosed that the Federal Government would take measures to correct the anomaly, saying it was ridiculous that a government could conceptualize such an idea in the first place knowing full well the purpose for which the centre was built.

The Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi has also emphasized the need to ensure continued communal unity, peaceful cohabitation and development among Nigerians.

A statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com noted that the top traditional ruler and the minister spoke during the 32nd Iragbiji Day Anniversary which was held at Oke-Iragbiji Grammar School, Iragbiji, on Saturday.

 Oyetola said it was unheard of and  not under any circumstances would a centre purposely built to equip and empower the teeming young people with different technical skills be made to become a football campground.

‘It is ridiculous that the state government could think of converting a centre that is meant for youth development into a soccer base.

As we all know, this is a project that is meant for our youths to acquire different technical and vocational skills thus promoting entrepreneurship and youth development. Turning the Centre into anything outside this is a disservice to the purpose it was meant for.

As a person, I don’t have any problem with football, I love football but we won’t allow a project that is purposely built to cater for youth development in the area of entrepreneurial skills acquisition to become a football base for whatever reason.

This is a project that we fought for and facilitated while in government for the benefit of the young people in the state and anything short of what it is meant for is anti-development.

I have taken it up already and I want to assure you that very soon, something will be done in that regard’ he said.

Speaking on the concerted efforts to turn around the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy on his watch, Oyetola noted that security has been beefed up across waterways in the country in order to ensure that their potential is fully explored and actualized.

According to him, the ministry is committed to ensuring adequate security in all the coastal areas as part of efforts to attract more investments in the maritime sector.

Oyetola ,who expressed the readiness of the ministry to set up Coastal Guards to complement the efforts of the existing security apparatus, implored the citizens to continue to support the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration towards actualizing the lofty pro-masses policies and programmes put in place by the government.

He also noted that it is imperative for community at different levels to see genuine development as a collective effort.

‘It is evident that development doesn’t just happens, it requires genuine effort from all and sundry and I want to believe that supporting government in this regard would go a long way.

Government alone cannot do it. There should be community support projects to complement government’s efforts for overall development’ Oyetola added.

Earlier, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Olabomi  had applauded sons and daughters of the ancient town for their unflinching support, cooperation and avowed commitment to advancing the cause of the town.

The revered traditional ruler, who emphasized the need for communal development, said it is worthy of note that his subjects have been prioritizing the development of the town over the years.

He expressed profound gratitude to the sons and daughters of the town and the lovers of Iragbiji for their generous donations in support of the growth and development of the town while assuring that the funds would be used for the intended purpose.

Highlight of the occasion was the donation of about N200million by invited guests including friends and political associates of Oyetola towards the development of Iragbiji-Team@orientactualmags.com
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