Seaman’s Schnapps has reaffirmed its commitment to grassroots empowerment as a co-sponsor of the 2025 Nigerian Artisans and Technicians Conference (NATCO), held in Ibadan, Oyo State. The initiative, according to the company, reflects its enduring belief in the dignity of labor and the power of skill development in driving economic growth.
At the conference, six exceptional artisans were empowered following a rigorous selection process conducted by the Seaman’s Schnapps team. The winners emerged across three categories: Tailoring/Fashion Design, Bricklaying, and Automobile Mechanics, after undergoing screening and interviews.
In the tailoring category, Miss Sahad Mariam Omolara, 18, from Iseyin, and Mr. Oduola Abdulsalam, 25, from Alesinloye, Ibadan North, were selected. In bricklaying, the winners were 16-year-old Moshood Mubarak from Iddo LGA and 36-year-old Abiodun Akinyemi from Oniyanrin, Ibadan North West. In the automobile/mechanics category, Akeem Raji, 37, and Kazeem Ismail from New Garage, Challenge, Ibadan, were chosen.
The atmosphere at the venue was filled with excitement and anticipation as family members and friends of the shortlisted artisans gathered to witness the final announcement. The event symbolized not just empowerment but the recognition of everyday Nigerians striving to build a future through skill and enterprise.
NATCO 2025 brought together hundreds of artisans, technicians, and apprentices from across the country to celebrate skill, innovation, and resilience in Nigeria’s informal economy. The conference featured hands-on workshops, enterprise development sessions, and empowerment presentations in key trades including tailoring, welding, solar technology, and shoemaking.
While receiving her empowerment package, beneficiary Miss Sahad Omolara expressed deep appreciation, calling the experience “a dream come true.” The event was graced by dignitaries, including the Oyo State Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment, and Cooperatives, Adebisi Adeniyi; Trade Marketing Manager, Ogunlana Doyinsola; Convener of NATCO, Dayo Bello; and Senior Brand Manager, Seaman’s Schnapps, Nnenna Uche-Onyenacho.
Speaking on the company’s philosophy, Marketing Manager, Gbemileke Lawal, described Seaman’s Schnapps as “more than a drink, it’s an enabler brand that identifies with success, soul upliftment, and enterprise development.” He said the brand represents the spiritual energy that blesses every honest hustle and dignifies the journey of growth.
Senior Brand Manager, Nnenna Uche-Onyenacho, reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to supporting the informal economy. Artisans are the backbone of our economy. Supporting them is not just corporate social responsibility, it’s a cultural and economic imperative. We’re proud to stand with NATCO in recognising and empowering these unsung heroes,” she said.
Through its continued support for vocational excellence, Seaman’s Schnapps positions itself as a brand that not only celebrates tradition but also champions progress and sustainable livelihoods for Nigeria’s artisans.
