The Oyo State Government has provided free vocational and technical training, alongside empowerment tools, to hundreds of youths, artisans, and traders during the 2025 Nigerian Artisans and Technicians Conference held at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan. The three-day programme focused on equipping participants with modern skills and resources to boost productivity and strengthen small business growth across the state.
Participants were trained in areas such as gate automation, electric fence installation, smart lock systems, automated doors, CCTV installation, and solar panel setup, skills increasingly sought after as homes and businesses adopt technology-driven and energy-efficient solutions.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry, Adeniyi Adebisi, who represented Governor Seyi Makinde, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to supporting artisans and small business owners as part of its inclusive economic development strategy. He described artisans and technicians as “unsung heroes transforming ideas into tangible products and driving innovation at the grassroots.”
Adebisi explained that the initiative aligns with Governor Makinde’s vision for enterprise development, industrial growth, and public-private collaboration. He commended Global Sight Services Limited, the implementing partner, for organizing the second edition of OYO NATCO in partnership with the Ministry.
The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment’s representative, Engr. Mohammed Imam, lauded the Oyo State Government and GSSL for their foresight, describing the conference theme, *“Empowering the Workforce for a Sustainable Economy,”* as timely. He emphasized the Federal Government’s ongoing support for the informal sector through training, certification, and financial inclusion programmes.
Global Sight Services Ltd Managing Director, Dayo Bello, urged artisans to embrace modern technology to remain competitive, noting that NATCO serves as a bridge connecting manufacturers, service providers, and consumers to promote innovation.
The conference also featured exhibitions and interactive sessions with agencies such as CAC, SON, NAFDAC, ITF, NEPC, SMEDAN, NIPC, and FCCPC. Participants were guided on business registration, certification, product standards, and access to small business funding opportunities.
The event concluded with the distribution of empowerment tools and household equipment including sewing machines, tool kits, generators, fans, blenders, and hair dryers. Adebisi noted that empowerment goes beyond training, emphasizing that “it is about giving people the means to put that training to work.”
The Babaloja General of Oyo State, Y.K. Abass, commended the Makinde-led administration for consistently supporting artisans and traders, saying the initiative would inspire more youths to acquire vocational skills and reduce unemployment in the state.
