Plans are being firmed up by Lagos State for the acquisition of equipment through leasing for thousands of registered artisans and tradesmen operating in the state.
This was disclosed by Oluseye Oladejo, special adviser to the state governor on commerce and industry, while briefing the media on the 2013 edition of the annual Lagos tradesmen and artisans’ celebration, which is being rounded off today, at the premises of Lagos Television, Ikeja. Over 7,000 artisans and tradesmen are expected to feature and exhibit their products at the event.
According to Oladejo, the equipment leasing aims to strengthen the artisans’ operations, improve the quality of their products and services, which in turn would attract more patronage by members of the public.
“We are concluding arrangements with Equipment Leasing Association of Nigeria (ELAN) to facilitate the acquisition of needed equipment by the trained artisans through leasing. The artisans have equally been enlightened on the equipment leasing option which we believe would enhance their operations and increase patronage of their products and services. As we speak, necessary Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has being perfected,” he said.
Also to further strengthen the operations of the artisans, the special adviser said the planned enterprise zones proposed for Lekki, Ikorodu and Badagry are being pursued by the government, explaining that when completed, the issue of space, which is a major challenge facing artisans and tradesmen in Lagos, would have been addressed to some extent.
JOSHUA BASSEY
