OGITECH stressed Youth Health and Productivity for National Development at Annual Lecture.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Ogun State Institute of Technology (OGITECH), Igbesa, has emphasized the importance of investing in youth health as a foundation for productivity and sustainable national development.
This position was highlighted during the institution’s 2nd Annual Lecture, held on Friday at the school’s campus in Igbesa, Ogun State. The event brought together captains of industry, policymakers, academics, and other stakeholders.
Delivering the lecture titled “Youth Health, Productivity, and National Development,” the Guest Lecturer and Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said Nigeria is blessed with a vibrant and mobile youth population that must be inspired to propel the nation to global prominence.
Dr. Salako described youths as the fulcrum of national development, urging them to take ownership of their future through discipline, self-development, and goal setting.
He commended OGITECH’s management for prioritizing youth development through innovative programs and initiatives, noting that “good health is the foundation of human capital, happiness, and productivity.”
According to him, education, employment, and health are interdependent pillars that must work together to achieve meaningful and sustainable national progress.
In his welcome address, the Rector of OGITECH, Dr. Abiodun Oluseye, described youths as the driving force behind every progressive and innovative society.
He stated that nations that thrive globally are those that invest in the health, capacity, and creativity of their young population.
“As a community, OGITECH will continue to partner with youth-friendly organizations to support and mainstream the innovative ideas of young people,” the Rector said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of OGITECH’s Governing Council, Chief Ayotunde Ayokunle Odulaja, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to supporting the Institute’s vision.
He said OGITECH’s mission aligns with the Ogun State Government’s priorities in the education sector, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to advance educational development in the state.
Chief Odulaja noted that the institution’s efforts echo the vision of Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, to build a dynamic and healthy youth population capable of driving innovation and development.
In his remarks, the Deputy Rector, Dr. Oluyemi Akanbi Odutola, expressed gratitude to Governor Abiodun for his continued support for education in Ogun State, as well as to the Education Commissioner for his unwavering encouragement.
He also commended the institution’s Governing Council members and the Royal Father of the Day, Oba Abdulazeez Oluwatoyin Akinde, the Oloja Ekun of Igbesaland, for their support and goodwill toward OGITECH.
Dr. Odutola further appreciated the Rector for his visionary leadership and dedication to promoting academic excellence, youth empowerment, and institutional growth.
