.Secures AUDA-NEPAD/SIFA Support
Chairman of MOMAS, Engr. Kola Balogun has laid a foundation of a €3Million Momas Technical Vocational and Educational Training (TVET) Centre for Electro-Technology in Ogun State on Friday.
The fund for the project was secured through the support of the African Union in partnership with the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) as well as the Skills Initiative for Africa (SIFA) program.
The recognition encompassed funding under funding window 1, aimed at supporting substantial skills development undertakings. MOMAS was selected as a grand recipient.
Speaking at the grand breaking ceremony, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industrial Training and Development, Mr. Adamson Oluwatosin Ayinde, described the project as a shining example of private sector leadership in addressing national manpower development challenges, especially in the nation’s power sector.
“This project directly responds to critical manpower gaps in smart electricity metering, electrical wiring and maintenance, renewable energy technologies and electro-technology safety practices.
He commended Momas group chairman, Engr. Kola Balogun for consistently demonstrating patriotism, foresight and commitment to national development.
“Your organisation’s success in securing the 3 million euros Skill Initiative for Africa (SIFA) grnat under AUDA-NEPAD, and your willingness to supass the mandatory 10 per cent counterpart fund contribution, exemplify true partnership for national progress. This initiative aligns strongly with the federal government’s priority to develop a technologically competent workforce, reduce reliance on foreign artisans and expand local capacity for critical energy-sector skills”
The centre, he said represents opportunity, empowerment and hope for the young people, offering them the skills and confidence required to secure gainful employment or establish striving enterprises.
“Today’s ceremony marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward a skilled and globally competitive workforce. The Momas TVET Centre is a promise to our youths and a testimony to what is possible when vision meets action”, he stated
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AUDA-NEPAD representative, Mr. Gemechu Berhanu Kusa, said Momas TVET Centre for Electro-Technology symbolizes not only the beginning of a physical structure but the birth of a transformative space where futures will be shaped, skills will be honed and dreams will be realized.
“This centre represents a bold step forward in our collective mission to empower Africa’s youth. It is a tangible expression of our shared belief that technical and vocational education is not a second choice, but a first class pathway to opportunity, dignity and sustainable livelihoods”.
With Momas TVET centre focusing on electrotechnology and renewable energy-particularly solar photovoltaic system, its is uniquely positioned to address both employment needs of youth and energy challenges facing Nigeria.
Kusa explained that the centre will offer cutting edge training , develop new curricula aligned with national standards, and provide scholarships to ensure that no one is left behind adding that the centre will drive positive change that is in line with the current government’s renewed hope agenda.
In her goodwill message, President/Chairman-in-Council, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, commended Momas Group for the noble vision of establishing a vocational institution, dedicated to imparting practical technical and vocational skills, emphasizing that the initiative comes at a most crucial time, as the nation is in desperate need of skilled manpower to drive its infrastructure development, industrial growth and technological advancement.
She therefore call on the Lagos State, federal government and other players in the engineering and energy sectors, to wholeheartedly support this initiative, stressing that such collaboration is essential for the Momas TVET Centre to make the full impact it envisions in line with our shared national agenda of sustained development.
“The Nigerian Society of Engineers fully supports the Momas Group, recognising the immense value this project will bring to the Nigerian economy. Through this Centre, our youths will be trained, empowered and gainfully employed in various project sites across the country. The resultant improvement in infrastructure development will undoubtedly have a positive ripple effect on our national economy”, she said
Chairman of MOMAS Group, Engr. Kola Balogun, said the project’s primary goal is to optimize past efforts in training young individuals with skill acquisition programs adding that the programs are designed to empower them, help them escape poverty, secure a better future, and contribute to developing a capable society rather than a vulnerable one.
NEPAD and the German government have provided a grant to expand the project’s scope. This funding will help establish an institution, provide essential training equipment, and contribute to training schemes that could facilitate recruitment of skilled personnel to Europe and other parts of the world.
Balogun stressed that the initiative will significantly bolster the federal government’s drive towards renewable energy in Nigeria.
“The center will provide the necessary skills and manpower for the installation of solar panels, solar batteries, and battery storage systems, thereby complementing the substantial funding allocated to renewable energy development.
The target for completing the building structure is one year. NEPAD is funding the contractor directly, and the local counterpart funding has surpassed expectations. The aim is for the institution to become internationally recognized, attracting individuals from Africa and other regions to acquire top-tier skills and produce highly mannered engineers and technicians.
“This project directly addresses the existing shortage of skilled manpower in the energy and metering system, a concern previously raised by the Minister of Power. The center will help bridge this gap by providing a sufficient pool of trained professionals”.
Group Managing Director, MOMAS Group, Engr. Hammed Abiodun described the day as a landmark and eventful occasion for MOMAS group, marking the international recognition by the German government for their efforts in adding value to youth.
“This achievement makes the speaker feel elated and fulfilled, hoping for a brighter future. MOMAS’ group has consistently upheld a corporate ideology focused on impacting society, particularly the youth. The organization has been engaged in development and skill acquisition initiatives for a long time, with today’s event representing a significant height in these efforts.
Abiodun emphasizes that the future lies in skill acquisition, drawing parallels with global trends and countries like China.
“ The goal is to leverage the large youth population by training and reshaping them to enable them to contribute positively to the country.The company’s innovative nature is attributed to the passionate drive of its founder for development. This core ideology has guided the organization for over three decades, consistently focusing on impacting and developing individuals and creating value”, he said.
