By Funke Cole
For Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos of the 21st century is one where everyone irrespective of their status and stations in life should be able to contribute meaningfully to the socioeconomic development of the state.
Of course, the governor, ever forward-looking and future-thinking, knows that one better way to put a state with over 21 million population and still counting, in good standing is to put all his best foot forward in a manner of thinking!
To achieve the lofty height therefore, the state government is focused on achieving a balance between job creation and positively influencing inflation.
At the graduation ceremony for artisans and tradesmen recently, with the theme, The theme, ‘Building a Brighter Tomorrow: Through Skills and Innovation’, Sanwo-Olu said that there was an ongoing campaign aimed at assisting Lagos residents in securing well-paying employment and acquiring world-class skills, with the objective of decreasing the nation’s unemployment rate.
According to him, the government remains committed to equipping artisans and tradesmen with the necessary skill sets to deliver quality services, safeguard their standard of living, and contribute to the development of a more robust and resilient Nigerian economy.
He said: “The world is changing quickly. Technology is getting better, and people want different things. The skills you have learned will help you keep up with these changes and find new opportunities. You now have the knowledge and skills to do greater things. You are the backbone of our economy. You make things, fix things, and create beautiful and useful things. By getting better at your jobs, you are not only helping yourselves, but you are also helping Lagos State grow and prosper. We are committed to helping you do well. We have trained over 7,400 people like you, and we have given many of you tools and money to start or grow your businesses. We are also working with businesses to create more opportunities for you”.
Pressed further, Sanwo-Olu said that, by providing them with essential knowledge, practical skills, and an innovative mindset, they are not only enhancing their livelihoods but also playing a vital role in developing a competitive workforce that will drive Lagos into a new era of advancement. “You are our vehicle to building a brighter tomorrow”, he said.
A total of 1,200 individuals have received up-skilling, including 800 artisans and 400 tradesmen. The training programmes span across the three Senatorial districts of the state.
He also announced an increase in the annual subventions to the Lagos State Council of Tradesmen and Artisans from N12 million to N15 million, and mentioned that the association will receive a new bus.
Echoing similar sentiments, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe described the Up-skilling of Artisans and Tradesmen initiative as a noteworthy socio-economic intervention by the state government.
The initiative, he noted, exemplifies the commitment of Sanwo-Olu’s administration to ensure that practicing artisans swiftly adapt to the evolving dynamics of their respective trades. He said: “The Up-skilling of Artisans and Tradesmen training is designed to equip artisans with essential technical and entrepreneurial skills, thereby enhancing their efficiency and productivity to enable them to compete effectively in the marketplace”.
The training ensures that artisans are not just 21st Century compliant but are modelled in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S+ developmental agenda which includes; Social inclusion, Gender-equality and Youth Empowerment.