By Ayinde Muhammed
Stakeholders in Kwara State have showered encomiums on the Federal Government of Nigeria through the office of Human Capital Development, Abuja and the Kwara State Government for their foresight in organizing a critical engagement on Human Capital Development.
The event took place at at the E-Phoenix hotel in ilorin on Thursday 13, March, 2025.
Dr Adetola Salau, the Special Adviser to the Kwara State Governor on Education and Policy Formulation, who is the keynote speaker at the event commended the government’s commitment to advancing human capital.
“To my fellow policymakers, educators, business leaders, civil society representatives, and community champions in this room—your presence here is a proof to our shared commitment to building a more prosperous and inclusive society,” she said.
According to Dr Adetola, Human capital development is not just a policy agenda—it is the foundation upon which nations and states thrive.
She described HCD as the investment we make in education, healthcare, skills acquisition, and economic empowerments that determines how competitive, resilient, and prosperous our society will be.
“For us in Kwara State, the question is not whether we should prioritize human capital development—the question is how quickly and effectively we can translate strategy into tangible impact for our people.”
“Across the world, the most developed economies are not necessarily those with the most natural resources, but those that have invested in their people. Knowledge, skills, innovation, and productivity are the true drivers of sustainable growth.”
“As we deliberate today, let us remind ourselves: Our policies, strategies, and programs must not remain on paper—they must transform lives, she said.
The NUJ Chairman, Mr. Lanre Ahmad Abdulateef enjoined participants to
prioritize the key areas that will drive positive change in our community”
According to him, Media plays a vital role in enhancing and uplifting our community.”
Hon. Baba Saliu
Chairman, House Committee on Education and HCD reiterated the need to establish a consistent framework under certain policies.”
According to him, Equipping schools with advanced laboratories and tools is crucial for preparing students for the challenges ahead.
Hon. Bolanle Ojukoju, Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, representing the Deputy Governor of Kwara State, His Excellency, Mr. Kayode Alabi said “Kwara is about Progress, Kwara is about Development”
According to the General Manager Dele Shitu Foundation, Mr. Ibrahim Toheeb, “Quality education and skill training are two distinct areas that cannot be substituted for one another. We must strike a balance between the two.”
The Executive Director of Center for Community Empowerment & Poverty Alleviation, Mallam Abdulrahman Ayuba on his part said we can’t leave out Adult education in #KwaraHCDWorkshop, noting that adult education is vital, as is the inclusion of gender equality. We need to be deliberate about gender inclusion.”
Mr. Abdulazeez Ishola,
Admin Officer to the Focal Person described
Human Capital as the investment in people, enhancing their skills, knowledge, and abilities to deliver impactful solutions.”
Dr Salau said Kwara State have made significants strides in strengthening human capital base, From investments in education and vocational training to improvements in healthcare and social welfare, the government has demonstrated a clear commitment to prioritizing our people.
However, she expressed the need to also acknowledge the gaps and challenges that still exist.
According to her, many young people still lack access to quality education and skills training needed for today’s job market.
“Our healthcare system, while improving, still requires greater efficiency and accessibility.
She noted that the disconnect between education and industry means that graduates often struggle to find jobs, while employers struggle to find skilled workers.
“Coordination among government agencies, private sector actors, and civil society remains an area for improvement,” she emphasised.
These challenges according to her, are not insurmountable, but they require deliberate action, stronger partnerships, and accountability.
Dr Adetola who emphasised that government must move from strategy to action, noted that if we are to bridge the gap between policy and implementation, we must focus on the following key areas: Policy Harmonization & Coordination; Education & Skills Development;
Job Creation & Economic Empowerment and The
Health & Well-being of the workforce.
According to her, strengthening primary healthcare, improving access to maternal and child health services, and ensuring affordable healthcare for all should remain priorities.
She also noted that stakeholders must track progress with real-time data to measure the impact of policies and ensure transparency and accountability.
Dr Adetola said Investing in digital governance can enhance service delivery and streamline human capital development initiatives.
While describing the role of stakeholders in the Implementation of HCD policies, the Special Adviser to the Kwara Governor said this workshop is not just a gathering of minds; it is a call to action. Every stakeholder has a role to play.
According to her, Government must continue to provide leadership, funding, and policy direction.
Also, Private Sector on their part should actively invest in training, capacity building, and job creation, while NGOs & Civil Society must engage in advocacy and community-level implementation.
Dr Salau said communities & Individuals must take ownership of opportunities and contribute to their development.
She described Human capital development as not just the responsibility of government alone, but it requires a whole-of-society approach.
She urged all stakeholders to move beyond talk and think critically about next steps, which includes strengthening policies,
collaborations need to be formed and ensuring that recommendations made here today translate into action tomorrow.
She expressed confidence in Kwara State government has having the will, the talent, and the resources to set a national example in human capital development.
“What is required now is commitment and execution. Let us work together to create a future where every child in Kwara has access to quality education, where our youth are equipped with skills that drive innovation, where our citizens are healthy and productive, and where our economy flourishes on the strength of our people.”
