Ekiti Governor, Biodun Oyebanji has reiterated his administration’s commitment to invest in boosting and enhancing the capacity of artisans in the state’s informal sector for sustainable economic growth and improving livelihoods of the citizens.
Oyebanji explained that the roles of artisans in the growth of the economy cannot be over emphasised, adding that their interventions in the construction, manufacturing and services sector must be enhanced to meet up with present demands in the society.
The governor spoke on Monday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital while declaring open a four-week training, tagged ‘ Artisan Upskilling Training Master Craft Persons’ organized by the government through the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment with collaboration from the Ministry of Education and Board for Technical Education for participants across the 16 Local Government Area of the state.
Oyebanji, represented by the Secretary to the State government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro, while urging participants to be dedicated to the training, stated that the training is necessary to expose artisans across all sectors in the state to modern and acceptable of advancing their crafts for productivity in line with the prosperity agenda of the administration.
He added that his administration, apart from the training, would provide access to financial facilities to the artisans for business growth and expansion “ to enhance their productivity, increase their income, and ultimately, uplift their standard of living, thereby bringing about the realization of the shared prosperity mantra.”
He said, “Artisanship is a cornerstone of our economy, contributing immensely to the development of various sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and services. Our artisans are the backbone of the informal sector, playing a critical role in job creation and the provision of essential services.
“However, in an era of rapid technological advancement and changing market dynamics, it is imperative that our artisans are equipped with modern skills and knowledge to remain competitive and relevant.
“This programme is not just about skills acquisition; it is also about empowerment. We are empowering our artisans to take control of their destinies, to compete favorably in the global market, and to contribute more meaningfully to the economy of Ekiti State. By investing in our human capital, we are laying a solid foundation for sustainable economic growth and development.
“Our vision is to make Ekiti a hub for skilled artisans, recognised for quality craftsmanship and innovation.”
The Commissioner for Trade, Industry, and Investment, Mrs. Omotayo Adeola, explained that the training would cover various trades, including but not limited to carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, metal fabrication, and welding.
She noted that the administration of Governor Oyebanji is committed to enhancing the growth of the informal sector through programmes and implementation of friendly policies that would enhance the productivity of the small and medium-scale enterprises.
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