Lagos economy: Sanwo-Olu promises to scale up funding for Artisans
By Moses Adeniyi
To further boost the State’s economy, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has restated the commitment of his administration to scale up funding to build the capacity of Artisans/Tradesmen in the State.
This, according to him, is part of the efforts to vitalise the local economy of the State by strengthening the threshold of local contents.
Speaking at the 14th Tradesmen and Artisans Day with the theme “Collaboration and Networking: the Path to Artisanal Growth and Development,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said that the event is designed to showcase the huge potential in the sector, just as he acknowledged Artisans as key contributors to economic growth, employment generation and wealth creation.
The Governor represented by the Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Mr Afolabi Ayantayo explained that his administration has activated a series of empowerment programmes to adequately prepare Artisans in the State to think global and provide local solutions.
He said the State has consistently been developing innovative solutions to address the challenges of stakeholders in the sector, stressing that his administration will 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 programmes through the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment and collaboration with other government agencies and the private sector,” he said
In his address, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe said that the THEMES+ Agenda of Governor Sanwo-Olu is a step towards improving the economic situation of the State and enhancing the capacity of individuals.
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 capacity of the various groups in the sector, adding that the commitment has formed a path to further growing the State’s economy.
He called for an increase in the number of Artisans and Tradesman trained annually on capacity development programmes, just as he requested for more soft loans for members to boost their businesses.
He appealed for the upward review of the annual subvention to the earlier N12 million which was reduced to N6 million because of economic down town brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to outstanding Artisans and Trades Association who were found worthy of commendation. At the event, the group also presented an award of excellent leadership to Governor Sanwo-Olu, recognising his performance and commitment to good governance.
