Artisans key to economic growth, national development– ITF DG
By Daniel Obaje
Dr Afiz Ogun, Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), says Nigerian artisans are vital to national development and must be supported to fully contribute to economic growth.
Ogun said this at a national exhibition and fair of artisans and technicians in Abuja, where he noted that the Federal Government had begun to restore dignity to the sector after decades of neglect.
“What we should take home is that you see artisans in Nigeria have been forgotten. But today, this government of President Bola Tinubu remembered them and he is saying that he is going to lift them up. He did not only promise them during the campaign, he has started lifting them up.”
The ITF boss added that training of artisans is ongoing nationwide with emphasis on technical skills as well as ethics and patriotism.
“Government has ordered us to train them both in their technical area and the soft skill which they need for their trade.”
Also speaking, Mr Adeshina Akinyemi, National Coordinator of the Artisan and Technicians Association of Nigeria (ASNAT), described the Abuja event as the largest convergence of artisans in Africa.
“As you can see, it is a convergence of all artisan associations and groups in Nigeria and you know Nigeria has the largest population in Africa.”
He said the exhibition showcased innovations such as a made in Minna motorbike and school furniture created from tire waste, stressing that such local products could translate into economic empowerment.
“Definitely, what we are seeking for is government intervention, assistance to help promote local goods and local contents, that is how it will in turn benefit everyone and create more economic empowerment for all Nigerian artisans and technicians.
“With the help of ITF, who has been upscaling us and trying to regulate our activities and our sector, definitely the days of quacks in Nigerian artisans are limited and with time no one will hear of them.”
In his remarks, Mr Sanusi Rikiji, former Speaker of Zamfara State House of Assembly and National Patron of ASNAT, said artisans remained central to Nigeria’s workforce and economy, noting that their skills, creativity and resilience sustain everyday life and national productivity
“Trade is a vital lifeline of able nations and is similar to the artery in the human body, therefore, the commitment of Nigerian artisans and technicians, skilled craftsmen and women to nation building cannot be overemphasized because (they) constitutes greater number of Nigeria’s workforce.
“I charge Nigerian artisans and technicians to mentor the next generation of upcoming artisans so that there can be continuity and sustainability because exhibitions provide a platform for showing our cultural heritage and contribute to the national development,” he said.
The exhibition and fair brought together artisans and technicians from across Nigeria, who displayed locally made products and explore strategies for strengthening skills for national development. (NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
