Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has stated that his administration will continue to invest in capacity building and infrastructure development for Small and Medium Scale enterprises.
The Governor made the pledge today at the 13th Edition Tradesmen & Artisan’s Day Celebration and Graduation, held at De Blue Roof, LTV 8, Ikeja, Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, said “It is a fact that no economy or society can do without the services rendered by artisans and tradesmen because of their direct impact on peoples day to day living ”.
The Governor reiterated that the determination of his administration to enhance the growth of the sector and the prosperity of all stakeholders has been demonstrated by the implementation of various programmes anchored by the Ministry of Wealth Creation & Employment in collaboration with other agencies.
He noted that his administration’s empowerment programmes are designed to adequately prepare Artisans to think globally while providing local solutions.
Sanwo-Olu stated that “In many parts of the world, the informal sector which comprises small-scale activities in traditional sectors of the economy accounted for a greater percentage of new jobs created. Against this background, the informal economy debate on possible strategies to improve its capacity is gaining new momentum at all levels and in various circles”.
Speaking on the current hardship experienced in the country, the Governor stated, “I wish to assure you that I feel your pain and I am in solidarity with you. We will do everything within the limit of our power and ability to support you at this time and ensure that the evil intention of enemies of our democracy does not materialise”.
Sanwo-Olu, therefore, appealed to the President and members of the Lagos State Council of Tradesmen and Artisans (LASCOTA) to vote en-mass for the re-election of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President and all other All Progressive Congress (APC) candidates in the coming general election.
Earlier in her welcome address, Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs. Yetunde Arobieke stated that the artisan day celebration and graduation ceremony for 1,700 up-skilled tradesmen and artisans is to recognise and showcase the potential and contribution of the informal sector to the socio-economic development of Lagos State.
She added that “The informal sector is the engine that drives the economy. It is therefore imperative for Lagos Artisans to work towards the realisation of a common purpose which is creating 21st-century Artisans for sustainable economic growth with a view to making and sustaining Lagos as a 21st-century economy”.
Arobieke tasked the Tradesmen and Artisans to make a success of their businesses and train others, saying that the programme is to engender sustainable wealth creation and employment for youths and unemployed residents of the State.
In his goodwill message, the President of Lagos State Council of Tradesmen and Artisans, Chief Nurudeen Buhari said that the rigorous execution of the present administration T.H.E.M.E.S agenda, which has helped to improve the lives of all Lagosians and the provision of good infrastructure in education, agriculture, health, transportation among others has given the artisans an enabling environment to practice their trade.