NATCO 2025: Oyo Government Empowers Artisans, Youths With Vocational Tools

The Oyo State government has organised a three-day free vocational and technical training programme for hundreds of youths, artisans and traders in the state, giving them free tools.

The empowerment programme which was part of the 2025 Nigerian Artisans and Technicians Conference (OYO NATCO 2025) held at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba in Ibadan.

Participants were taken through practical skill development and empowerment and covered key areas including gate automation, electric fence installation, smart lock systems, automated doors, CCTV installation, and solar panel setup.

Speaking at the event, Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry in the state, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, who represented Governor Seyi Makinde, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to empowering artisans and small business owners as a strategy for achieving sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

He described artisans and technicians as “the unsung heroes transforming ideas into tangible products, driving innovation at the grassroots, and keeping our economy functioning every day.”

According to him, the programme aligns with Governor Makinde’s vision of promoting enterprise development, skill enhancement, and industrial expansion through public-private partnerships.

Adebisi also lauded Global Sight Services Limited (GSSL), the state’s implementing partner, for collaborating with the Ministry to organise the second edition of OYO NATCO.

Also speaking, the Assistant Director of Industrial Development and representative of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Engr. Mohammed Imam, commended the Oyo State Government and GSSL for their foresight, describing the conference theme: “Empowering the Workforce for a Sustainable Economy” as timely and inspiring.

He reiterated the federal hovernment’s support for the informal sector through training, certification, and access to finance.

Managing Director of GSSL, Mr. Dayo Bello, emphasised the importance of adapting to modern technology in the artisan sector, noting that NATCO serves as a bridge between product manufacturers, service providers, and end-users to drive innovation and competitiveness.

The conference ended with presentation of empowerment tools and household items to participants, including tool sets, sewing machines, generators, fans, blenders, hair dryers, and other work equipment.

Adebisi noted that empowerment was not just about training but giving people the means to put that training to work.

“When we equip our youths and artisans with the right tools, we are helping them to build confidence, independence, and prosperity.”