Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, has enhanced the skills of 2000 tradesman and artisans for increased productivity in their various chosen vocations in order to become 21st century artisans in line with the present administration’s THEMES agenda.

Speaking on Tuesday at the 11th Artisans’ Day and Graduation Ceremony for up-skilled tradesmen and artisans in Alausa, Ikeja, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs. Yetunde Arobieke said that the trainees were chosen from 37 different trade associations for the up-skilling programme in various trades and vocations.

Hon Mrs Yetunde Arobieke described the graduation of the new set of trainees sponsored by the Lagos state government as a clear demonstration of the present administration’s commitment to continually improve the quality of artisans for global best practices.

The Commissioner stated that the fact that the State government did not allow its financial commitment to the fight against the deadly covid-19 pandemic debar it from improving the quality of lives of its citizens through the up-skilling of their vocations was very commendable.

‘ This capacity building program is specifically designed to impact positively on your skill set, sharpen your entrepreneurial skills, broaden your horizon, provide competitive advantage and equip you towards becoming the 21st century artisans in line with the present administration’s THEMES agenda,’ She said.

Hon Mrs Yetunde Arobieke urged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture by contributing their quota towards the attainment of a Greater Lagos with the focus of being employers of labour and professional trainers in their areas of specialization.

She emphasized that the informal sector comprising of the artisans remains the key driving force of the 21st century economy, saying that it is imperative for Lagos artisans to work towards the realization of sustainable economic growth.

According to her, the potentials of the informal sector in the area of creativity and the value addition are too important to be ignored by any forward looking government.
Recognizing the importance of members of the tradesmen and artisans, the Commissioner informed that the Lagos State Employment Trust fund (LSETF) was repositioned with a cardinal mandate to support the establishment and growth of small scale businesses to create job opportunities which includes but not limited to providing soft loans to genuine and credible artisans and traders in the State.

She also mentioned that plans are underway to fully digitize the artisans in Lagos State, thereby positioning them to be at part with their contemporaries globally, explaining that the digitization plans will enable the artisans and tradesmen to be within the reach of their clients from different walks of life and also easily network anywhere across the globe.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Wealth creation and employment, Mrs. Kafayat Ajenifuja in her Welcome Address, made it known that the graduation ceremony serves as a reminder on the need to chart a path for sustainable development to favour small and medium scale enterprises.

She said this consciousness birth the theme of this year’s event: Creating21st century Artisans for sustainable economic growth’. She said this has made the present administration to show commitment to sustaining the programs annually through the State’s Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB).

A press statement released by the Director of public affairs of the ministry, Babatunde Adele said goodwill messages were given by, Hon. Jude Idimogu, a member, Lagos State House of Assembly and the Chairman, House Committee on Wealth Creation and Employment.; President, Lagos State council of Tradesmen and Artisans,
Alh. Nurudeen Buhari.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to various categories of deserving individuals and trade associations for excellent performance during the training period.