Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, restated his administration’s commitment to scale up funding to build the capacity of artisans and tradesmen in the state on Wednesday.
Governor Sanwo-Olu restated this while speaking at the 14th Tradesmen and Artisans Day, themed “Collaboration and Networking: the Path to Artisanal Growth and Development,” saying that the event was designed to showcase the huge potential in the sector.
The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Mr Afolabi Ayantayo, acknowledged artisans as key contributors to economic growth, employment generation, and wealth creation, disclosing that his administration had activated a series of empowerment programmes to adequately prepare them for the state to think globally and provide local solutions.
He said the state had been consistently developing innovative solutions that addressed the challenges of the group, stressing that his administration would create an enabling environment for improved productivity.
“As a government that is responsive to the needs of the people, we will continue to explore ways to make sure we cushion the effects of these policies. We will do everything within our power to support you at this time and ensure that you feel the impact of our good governance.
“We will continue to improve the capacity of the relevant government agencies and institutions, including the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, and continue to support small-scale businesses with access to funds.”
“Our passion to enhance the growth of this sector and the prosperity of all stakeholders has been demonstrated by the implementation of various programmes through the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment and collaboration with other government agencies and the private sector,” he said.
The Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, earlier in his address of welcome, said that the THEMES Agenda of Governor Sanwo-Olu was a step towards improving the economic situation of the state and enhancing individual capacity.
According to the commissioner, the event was designed to create an opportunity to commend and appreciate Artisans and Trade Associations that have distinguished themselves in their chosen vocations and activities in the last year
He emphasised the crucial role that collaboration and networking played in advancing the growth and development of tradesmen and artisans, urging individuals and groups in the sector to seek knowledge and innovation to further develop themselves and their trades.
The President, Lagos State Council of Tradesmen and Artisans, Alhaji Nurudeen Buhari, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for supporting the association to activate programmes that enhanced the capacity of the groups that would form the path of growing the state’s economy.
He called for an increase in the number of artisans and tradesmen trained annually on the capacity-retraining programme and also requested soft loans for members to boost their businesses.
Buhari, however, appealed for an upward review of the annual subvention to the earlier sum of N12 million, which was reduced to N6 million because of the economic downturn brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The highlight of the event was the award presentation to the outstanding artisans and tradesmen who were found worthy of being commended.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM TheWitness
How I helped Peter Obi overcome impeachment plot as Anambra governor — Sowore
Self-styled human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore has revealed an age-long secret about Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in…
Yuletides: Low-key Christmas looms as poultry birds price rise than last years’
In less than 10 days to Christmas, the price of poultry birds in Ibadan is projected to be higher than last year mostly because of…
Comedian Mark Angel apologises over Emanuella’s viral dance video
Nigerian comedian Mark Angel has issued an apology following the circulation of a viral video featuring his…
I learnt about the use of human head for money rituals on Facebook —Man who beheaded OAU student in Abeokuta
A 35-year-old suspect, Akeem, who was arrested by detectives in Ogun State Police Command after…
Top 13 facts about Buhari at 81
As he marks his 81st birthday on Sunday December 17th, roughly six months after the completion of his two terms as…
CAF crowns Nigeria’s Osimhen African Player of the Year
Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, has been crowned the African Player of the Year 2023 by the Confederation of…
