November 2, 2017

The Lagos State Government on Thursday launched a compendium of 20,000 registered tradesmen and artisans with unique identification numbers to improve the sector for socio-economic development of the state.

Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State spoke at the 8th Tradesmen and Artisans week and graduation ceremony for 1500 re-trained artisans and traders organised by the state’s Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment.

Ambode said that the compendium would help to differentiate the authentic artisans from those operating illegally in the state.

The governor said that henceforth, the state government would officially patronise their services in the areas needed.

He said that the state government had also opened an online portal designed to facilitate interaction amongst artisans, MSMEs, customers/end-users and other relevant stakeholders.

Ambode said that its primary goal was to make it easy and convenient for people in need of high quality service to meet reliable, trusted and verified service providers.

“It is also aimed at enhancing the productivity, competitiveness, creativity and vitality of the sector,” he said.

Ambode said the theme: “Technology and Innovation: A Catalyst for the Development of the Artisans and Tradesmen” was apt as it would sensitise the artisans to the reality of global trends.

“In this modern time, successful businesses are driven by technology and innovative ideas.

“It will be difficult for you to survive and stay ahead of your competitors if you continue to do things the old way and fail to key into the current reality.

“There is no aspect of your trade or vocation that you cannot apply technology to improve on quality, efficiency and productivity,” the governor said.

Ambode said that his government would continue to implement policies and incentives aimed at improving their productive capacity as the growth and profitability of the sector remained a top priority.

The governor advised the retrained artisans to leverage on the endless opportunities the state had offered them.

“Our state is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and it presents great opportunities that are waiting to be tapped and challenges which you are the solution provider.

“Your training has been designed to address the skills mismatch and provide the right mix of skills needed to service the industrial needs of the state.

“This administration has a clear focus on all our initiatives and believes in the potential and innovative capacity of Lagos artisans,” Ambode said.

He assured that his administration would continue to provide and maintain the required infrastructure and conducive environment for businesses to thrive.

Ealier, Mr Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, the State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, said that the graduands underwent an eight-day intensive training programme in their areas of trade.

Durosinmi-Etti said that the awards presented to them were expected to serve as morale booster and increase the drive in others to create a competitive business environment.

Also, the President, Lagos State Council of Tradesmen and Artisans, Alhaji Nurudeen Buhari, commended the state government for approving 95 per cent of their demands, particularly access of members to the state’s Employment Trust Fund.