The Ogun State Chapter of the Artisans Association has called on the State House of Assembly to support the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Skills and Technical Development to promote innovation, youth empowerment, and capacity building within the informal sector.
The appeal was made by the Association’s President, Comrade Anthony Ayodele, during a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
In his remarks, Comrade Ayodele commended the Assembly for its longstanding support of the group, noting that a dedicated ministry would serve as an institutional hub for coordinating skills acquisition programmes, driving technical innovation, and advancing vocational development across the state.
He emphasised the need for focused government attention on artisanship to combat unemployment and ensure the sustainability of traditional skills in a fast-evolving economy.
Responding, Speaker Elemide praised the association for its contributions to the state’s economic growth, cultural preservation, and job creation.
He urged the leadership of the association to explore strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders to enhance continuous learning, improve technical competence, and expose members to innovations in their respective trades.
Elemide stressed the importance of attracting younger generations into artisanal professions, describing it as a critical step to sustaining and growing the informal sector which plays a major role in the economy of developing nations.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Assembly to inclusive development and assured that the lawmakers would continue to champion policies that support artisans and promote ease of doing business in the sector.
He also noted that the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun remains committed to harnessing the resourcefulness of artisans in building a resilient and self-reliant economy.
Other lawmakers present during the session echoed the Speaker’s sentiments and encouraged the association to embrace modern techniques, promote creativity and adapt to industrial innovations.
They highlighted the need for artisans to collaborate with government institutions, private bodies, and training centres to remain competitive and relevant in today’s dynamic market.
In a related development, the Speaker also received a delegation from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Opeji LCDA, who paid a courtesy visit.
Addressing the group, Speaker Elemide urged them to continue preaching the gospel of love and peace which are core values of Christianity, while reaffirming the Assembly’s support for religious tolerance and moral upliftment in the state.
