The Lagos State government has reiterated its commitment to standardising the artisanal sector of the economy through an upskilling programme designed to make the sector globally competitive.
Yetunde Arobieke, Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, while speaking during the flag-off ceremony of Y2020 up-skilling of 2000 Tradesmen and Artisans drawn from the Lagos State Council for Tradesmen and Artisans, LASCOTA, stated that upskilling members of LASCOTA are to enable them to meet up with the job demands for the 21st-century economy.
She said retraining of 1,500 Artisans and 500 Tradesmen is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to continually enhance the competence and quality of Artisans and Traders in the State for global competitiveness.
“This re-skilling programme was developed to equip you towards becoming 21st-century Artisans and Tradesmen, in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S. Agenda of the present administration, under the leadership of Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
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“It gives me a deep sense of satisfaction to note that we are committed to ensuring that the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise sector of our State’s economy, to which most of you belong, grows and flourishes,” Arobieke said.
Arobieke urged the beneficiaries of the re-skilling programme to reciprocate the kind gesture of the government by also contributing their quota towards the attainment of a “Greater Lagos, Your Lagos, our Lagos”.
She warned that the training programme was not just about going to various centres and getting a certificate, but about “Broadening your scope, widening your horizon, thinking creatively and absorbing the truth about life. We must see the training beyond our certificates”.
Arobieke also used the event to restate the passion of the State Government about the informal sector, as demonstrated through the implementation of various programmes anchored by the Ministry of Wealth Creation & Employment in collaboration with other agencies.
The Commissioner emphasised that besides the experience, technical and vocational knowledge already at the disposal of the participants, all the friendships, camaraderie, network and bonds they will still build in the course of the training are also important elements capable of driving their trades and vocations into the next stage of productivity.
