*Launches Digital Labour, Skills Database
By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
Oyo State government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Ibadan, the state capital, into a sustainable, resilient and climate smart city through strategic collaboration with the World Bank Group and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
The state Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, who is also the coordinator for the project, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, stated this while receiving members of the World Bank Group/IFC team in his office, following the successful conclusion of the Ibadan Green Cities Action Plan Programme coordinated in collaboration with the State government.
Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, in a statement at the weekend, said Aderinto noted that the initiative aligned with the vision of Governor Seyi Makinde to position Ibadan as a modern, investment-friendly and globally competitive city through sustainable urban development, environmental sustainability, improved urban mobility, flood resilience and effective waste management systems.
Aderinto explained that the programme featured a series of strategic engagements, technical workshops, stakeholder consultations and field assessments involving relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), development partners, private sector stakeholders, transport operators, environmental experts and urban development professionals.
The Commissioner added that sector-specific sessions focused on transportation, solid waste management, water and wastewater infrastructure, urban planning, climate adaptation, emergency preparedness, green infrastructure and investment opportunities aimed at improving urban livability and economic competitiveness within Ibadan metropolis.
Earlier, the World Bank Group/IFC delegation was led to the office of the Commissioner by the Co-Coordinator, Hon. Abiodun Oluwaseun Laurel, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Project Delivery to the Governor, alongside members of the World Bank Group team which included Maryam Njie, Kelvin Tagnipez and Oluwaseun Olowoporoku.
…Launches Digital Labour, Skills Database
Meanwhile, the state government has launched a Digital Labour and Skills Database aimed at boosting employment opportunities, improving workforce coordination and strengthening the ease of doing business across the state.
The initiative was unveiled during the Stakeholders’ Engagement between the State government and the Organised Private Sector (OPS) at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Buildings, Oyo State House of Assembly, Secretariat, Ibadan.
Commissioner for Information, Oyelade, in a statement, said the programme, organised by the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, under the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) and Business Enabling Reforms Action Plan (BERAP) 2025, brought together stakeholders from government agencies, organised private sector groups, MSMEs, artisans, cooperatives, manufacturers, traders and development partners.
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Honourable Adeniyi Adebisi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Mamud Okesade, described the Oyo State Labour and Skills Registry (OSLSR) as a strategic intervention designed to bridge the gap between skilled labour supply and market demand in the state.
He explained that the digital platform would provide a comprehensive database of skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers across the 33 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State, while enhancing access to verified manpower for employers and investors.
Also speaking, the SSA on Industry and Cooperatives noted that the initiative would support evidence-based planning, improve access to business support services, strengthen industrial development and create a more investment-friendly environment in the State.
During the technical session, spokesperson for the SABER, Mr. Kilanko Olayemi, presented a paper entitled: ‘Understanding the Ease of Doing Business: The Role of the Labour Database’, where he highlighted the State’s emergence as the Third Best Performing State in Nigeria in the PEBEC 2025 Ease of Doing Business ranking.
The Project Lead for Chemiroy Nigeria Limited, the consultant handling the initiative, Mr. Awwal Lawal, also conducted participants through a practical walkthrough session on the use of the Labour Database website, explaining that the platform would enable residents to securely register their skills, work experience and employment status using mobile devices.
In their goodwill messages, Chairman of Bola Ige International Business Complex, New Gbagi, Ibadan, Alhaji Adetona Morufu, representing the Babaloja General of Oyo State; and the Chairman of Association of Nigeria Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT), Alhaji Akinlade, commended the State government for the initiative, describing it as a major step toward empowering traders, artisans and skilled workers through improved visibility and access to opportunities.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Aerial view of a section of Ibadan.
