Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday reiterated the commitment of his administration to scaling up funding to build the capacity of Artisans/Tradesmen in the state.
He spoke at the 14th Tradesmen and Artisans Day with the theme “Collaboration and Networking: the Path to Artisanal Growth and Development.”
Sanwo-Olu said that the event was designed to showcase the huge potential in the sector as he acknowledged Artisans as key contributors to economic growth, employment generation and wealth creation.
The Governor was represented by the Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Mr Afolabi Ayantayo.
He explained that his administration has activated a series of empowerment programmes to adequately prepare Artisans in the state to think globally and provide local solutions.
Sanwo-Olu stated that the State has been consistently developing innovative solutions that have addressed the challenges of the group, stressing that his administration would create the 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 prosperity of all stakeholders has been demonstrated by the implementation of various programs 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, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe said that the THEMES Plus Agenda 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 of Lagos State Council of Tradesmen and Artisans, Alhaji Nurudeen Buhari applauded 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 programmes and requested soft loans for members to boost their businesses.
He, however, appealed for the upward review of the annual subsidy to the earlier N12m which was reduced to N6m because of the economic downturn brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Highlight of the event was the awards presentation to the outstanding Artisans and Trades Association who were found worthy to be commended.
Pmnews