Ayodele Olalere
Artisans and tradesmen in Lagos State were, on Wednesday, promised improved funding in their businesses so as to help them improve their productivity.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Mr Afolabi Ayantayo, while speaking at the 14th edition of Artisans Day held at Blue Roof, Ikeja, with the theme ‘Collaboration and Networking: the Path to Artisanal Growth and Development,’ commended them for their contributions to the state’s economy. He therefore expressed his administration’s commitment to improving funding to the small scale businesses.
He said the small businesses has huge potential and acknowledged artisans as key contributors to economic growth, employment generation and wealth creation.
The governor further said a series of empowerment programmes has been embarked on by his administration to adequately prepare artisans for global challenges as well as provide local solutions.
He also commended them for abiding by policies of the federal government especially in the area of fuel subsidy adding such policies were meant for the good of the people.
“We’ll 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,” he promised.
The Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe said that the THEMES Agenda of Governor Sanwo-Olu is a step towards improving the economic situation of the state and enhancing individuals capacity.
Ajigbotafe said 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 however emphasised the crucial role that collaboration and networking play 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 applauded Governor Sanwo-Olu for supporting the association to activate programmes that have enhanced the capacity of the groups that will form the path of growing the state economy.
He called for an increase in the number of artisans and tradesmen trained annually on capacity retraining programs and requested soft loans for members to boost their businesses.
He however appealed for the upward review of the annual subvention to the earlier N12m which was reduced to N6m because of the economic downturn brought about by covid 19 pandemic.
Highlight of the event was the awards presentation to the outstanding artisans and trades association.
