In partnership with the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB), the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment has conducted a capacity enhancement programme for members of the informal sector, including Artisans, Tradesmen, and women under the Ministry.
During the flag-off ceremony for the 14th edition of the upskilling/capacity building programme, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs. Yetunde Arobieke, stated that the commencement of the upskilling of 1700 Tradesmen and Artisans demonstrates the State Government’s commitment to the capacity development of practising Artisans and Traders for global competitiveness.
She explained that the up-skilling programme was designed to equip beneficiaries with the relevant skills needed to become 21st Century Artisans and Tradesmen in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda, stating: “We are determined to ensure that every resident of the Lagos State benefits from the policies and programmes of Government which is geared towards building the Lagos of our dream.”
“Besides the experience, technical and vocational knowledge at your disposal, all the friendship, camaraderie, network and bonds you can build in the course of your training are important elements capable of driving you into the next stage of productivity”, she stated.
Arobieke noted that the State Government is constructing Industrial Hubs in various sectors throughout the State, stressing that once the Hubs become operational, the work of members of the informal sector would be made simpler.
Ms. Yinka Fashola, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, said that Lagos State has been in the forefront of raising the standard by improving the living conditions of poor and disadvantaged people and implementing policies that would have a good effect on the population.
Fashola said that the Ministry is developing platforms to increase productivity and ease of doing business by ensuring that people, particularly youths and artisans, are well positioned in the larger picture of making Lagos an economy of the 21st century.
She said: “We are taking the needed strides to better equip Artisans and Tradesmen in the State, These efforts are geared towards developing the State’s Tradesmen and Artisans to meet the modern day globally competitive business realities”.
Fashola advised all the learners to network throughout the training, as it would be beneficial for the subsequent phase of production.
Ms. Moronke Azeez, the Executive Secretary of LASTVEB, told the participants that the up-skilling programme will be conducted in all designated locations in Agidingbi, Ikorodu, and Ikotun immediately after the flag-off event.
Azeez added that the Artisans’ training is set for eight weekends (Friday to Sunday) and the Tradesmen/training women’s is scheduled for Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the same time to ensure that the participants’ companies do not suffer while they are in training.
Noting that the State Government will continue to ensure that artisans and tradesmen in Lagos acquire the necessary skills to sustain the growth of their businesses, the Executive Secretary urged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the programme by attending regularly, on time, and positively contributing to course discussions and site visits.
The President of the Lagos State Council of Tradesmen and Artisans (LASCOTA), Alhaji Nurideen Buhari, commented on the significance of the training by stating that the State Government’s periodic exposure to new trends in various professions had, over the years, helped to expand the participants’ understanding of the application of contemporary technologies.
Therefore, he urged all participants to apply themselves to the training by engaging the facilitators and asking clarification as needed.
Buhari also used the occasion to urge all artisans to always pay their taxes and other levies to the State Government in order to justify the massive investment in enhancing the artisans’ abilities.