The Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, has urged the leadership of the Artisans Association in the state to intensify efforts in supporting their members through skills expansion and technical innovation.
During a courtesy visit by the state chapter of the Artisans Association, led by its President, Anthony Ayodele, at the Assembly Complex in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta on Tuesday, Elemide emphasized the importance of partnerships with relevant stakeholders to create platforms for continuous learning.
The Speaker highlighted the critical need to engage younger generations in trade skills as a strategic approach to ensure sustainability and growth in the informal sector. He reaffirmed the Assembly's commitment to inclusive development, noting that Governor Dapo Abiodun's administration would continue to harness the resourcefulness of artisans across the state.
"The Assembly will continue to pass artisan-friendly legislation to support your growth and development," Elemide assured the delegation. He further urged the association to adopt measures that would develop their members' capabilities and expose them to modern technology.
Other lawmakers present at the meeting underscored the significance of artisans in cultural preservation, economic development, and job creation. They encouraged the association to embrace innovation and collaborate with other stakeholders to maintain relevance in the evolving industrial landscape.
In his remarks, Anthony Ayodele, President of the Artisans Association, expressed gratitude to the Ogun Assembly for their continued support. He called for additional legislation, particularly advocating for the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Skills and Technical Development.
According to Ayodele, such a ministry would serve as an institutional hub for capacity building, youth empowerment, and innovation in Ogun State, addressing the growing need for structured technical skills development.
In a related development, Speaker Elemide also received a delegation from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Opeji LCDA. During this separate courtesy visit, he encouraged the religious leaders to remain steadfast in promoting the tenets of love that Christianity represents.
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