Ogun Assembly Tells Artisans: Embrace Tech or Get Left Behind!

The Ogun State House of Assembly has urged the leadership of the state’s Artisans Association to strengthen its support systems by prioritizing skills enhancement and embracing technical innovation across various trades. This call was made by the Speaker, Oludaisi Elemide, during a courtesy visit by the association’s executives to the Assembly Complex in Oke‑Mosan, Abeokuta.

The Speaker emphasized the need to forge strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders to create sustainable platforms for continuous learning and modernized practices. He advocated for more active involvement of young people in vocational trades, describing it as vital for ensuring the long-term growth of the informal sector.

Elemide reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to inclusive development, noting that the current administration remains focused on harnessing the creativity and economic potential of skilled artisans in the state. He also pledged that the legislature would continue to enact laws that foster artisan development, economic competitiveness, and technology adoption.

He further encouraged the association to adopt new technologies and explore innovative methods of service delivery to stay relevant within an evolving economy.

Other members of the House echoed the Speaker’s sentiments, highlighting the critical role artisans play in cultural preservation, employment creation, and grassroots economic advancement. They called for greater integration of modern tools and collaboration with private and public institutions to uplift the sector.

In response, the President of the association, Anthony Ayodele, expressed appreciation for the Assembly’s continuous support and appealed for the creation of a Ministry of Skills and Technical Development. He argued that such an institution would serve as a central hub for capacity building, youth empowerment, and innovation-driven policies.

In a separate engagement, the Speaker also hosted a delegation from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Opeji LCDA, where he urged Christian leaders to uphold and spread the message of love and unity, which he described as the foundation of the Christian faith.