The National President of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Ambassador Emmanuel Obi-Okafor, has hailed Ogun State as a trailblazer in national development, describing it as a “State of Firsts” for its pioneering role in the history and growth of the institute.
Obi-Okafor, who made the declaration during a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, in Abeokuta, noted that Ogun State not only produced the first Director-General of NIPSS but also played a foundational role in establishing the policy think tank in 1978.
“Ogun is not just the gateway to the nation in name but in achievement. The very idea of NIPSS was conceived by an indigene of the state, and today, the institute continues to benefit from the brilliance of its sons and daughters,” he stated.
He added that the state is home to several distinguished Members of the National Institute (mni), whose expertise continues to shape policy development across the country.
The association’s visit, he noted, was part of activities to inaugurate the Ogun State chapter of the NIPSS Alumni, a body he described as filled with high-calibre professionals across diverse sectors.
Commending the Ogun State Government for its forward-thinking policies and its reputation as a prime destination for investors, Obi-Okafor lauded the administration for its commitment to excellence and its support for national development institutions like NIPSS.
In her response, Deputy Governor Salako-Oyedele expressed delight at receiving the delegation, acknowledging the institute’s role in grooming Nigeria’s top policy leaders and technocrats.
She reaffirmed the state’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of national development.
“Ogun has always been a beacon of excellence. From education to governance, and now in policy development, we remain a state of many firsts,” she said.
She also called for improved gender inclusion in the selection of NIPSS participants, stressing the importance of balanced representation in policymaking processes.
“We need more women at the table. Our perspectives are critical, and we must continue to advocate for gender equity in all spheres,” she said.
Salako-Oyedele assured the alumni body of the state government’s unwavering support, especially in the area of continuous training and development of its workforce.
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