Oyo Empowers Youths, Artisans With Free Technical Training, Tools

The Oyo State government has empowered hundreds 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) held at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

The programme, which focused on practical skills development and empowerment, covered key areas including gate automation, electric fence installation, smart lock systems, automated doors, CCTV installation, and solar panel setup.

The commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, 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.

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

The managing director of Global Sight Services Ltd, 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 three-day event featured exhibitions and interactive sessions with key regulatory and development agencies such as CAC, SON, NAFDAC, ITF, NEPC, SMEDAN, NIPC and FCCPC, aimed at guiding artisans on certification, standardisation and business growth.

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