Educated, healthy and productive population is essential to reducing poverty and achieving sustainable economic growth and development.

Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa made the remark at the maiden edition of the state human capital development steering committee meeting held at his office in Akure.

Consequent upon the inauguration of the steering and technical committee of human capital development programme by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the committee held its meeting to improve the indices and recommend policies and programmes.

The human capital development programme focuses on three thematic areas which are health and Nutrition, Education and labour force participation.

Aiyedatiwa who is the Chairman of the steering committee, thanked the technical committee for deliberating on strategies to quickly produce the state human capital development work plan.

Aiyedatiwa said the administration of Governor Akeredolu is focused on improving the human capital development of its citizens for inclusive governance.

He said “The objective is to have a healthy, educated and productive citizens and we know that human capital development is critical to poverty alleviation and citizens’ participation.

“For us as a nation and Ondo state, we want to play our role and the critical government functionaries are part of the whole programme. “

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the vice chairman and commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Pastor Emmanuel Igbasan said the committee is mapping out strategies to address the three thematic areas of concentration.

Pastor Igbasan said the meeting is still ongoing stressing that the draft will be reviewed and a strategic paper produced to address poor indicators of human capital development.