Global Sight Services Limited in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Oyo State Government has empowered thousands of youths, artisans and traders through a three-day free vocational and technical training programme as part of the 2025 Nigerian Artisans and Technicians Conference (OYO NATCO 2025).
The event, held at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, recently, focused on practical skill development in areas such as gate automation, electric fence installation, smart lock systems, automated doors, CCTV installation, cake and pastries production, vehicle diagnostics and solar panel setup.
According to the managing director of Global Sight Services Ltd, Mr Dayo Bello, technological adaptation in the artisan sector is very important. He also said the NATCO initiative serves as a bridge between manufacturers, service providers and end-users to foster innovation and competitiveness.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Hon Adeniyi Adebisi, who represented Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to empowering artisans and small business owners as part of efforts to achieve sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
He described artisans and technicians as “unsung heroes transforming ideas into tangible products, driving innovation at the grassroots and keeping our economy functioning every day.”
Also speaking, the Assistant Director of Industrial Development and representative of the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Engr Mohammed Imam, commended the Oyo State Government and GSSL for their foresight. He described the conference theme, Empowering the Workforce for a Sustainable Economy, as timely and inspiring, while reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the informal sector through training, certification and access to finance.
The three-day event featured exhibitions and interactive sessions with key regulatory and development agencies, including the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Bank of Industry (BOI), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). These sessions guided participants on certification, standardisation and business growth.
The Babaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaji YK Abass, who joined in the symbolic presentation, commended the Makinde administration for consistently supporting artisans and traders across the state.
Some beneficiaries described the gesture as life-changing. A young technician, Abideen Salami, said his new toolbox would ease his daily work, while trader Mrs Bose Adetayo and hairdresser Miss Kemi Oseni expressed gratitude for receiving items that would boost their businesses.
