Sanwo-Olu Reaffirms Commitment to Empowering Artisans at 2026 Lagos State Artisans Day

 

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering artisans and strengthening vocational skills as a catalyst for economic growth, wealth creation and inclusive prosperity.

Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance on Wednesday at the 2026 Lagos State Artisans Day Celebration, held at the Blue Roof Complex, LTV 8, Agidingbi, Ikeja.

Speaking on the theme, "Inclusive Enterprise: Artisans Driving Wealth Creation and Prosperity," the Governor described artisans as the backbone of Lagos' economy, noting that every great city is built by skilled hands.

According to him, artisans are instrumental in constructing homes, maintaining infrastructure, driving industries and sustaining Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which remain the foundation of the state's economy.

Sanwo-Olu commended the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, led by the Commissioner, Hon. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe, and the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Lolade Aina, for sustaining initiatives that promote skills development and economic inclusion.

The Governor acknowledged the challenges facing artisans, including high energy costs, limited access to affordable finance, multiple taxation and competition from unqualified operators. He assured artisans that the government was addressing these concerns through strategic reforms.

He disclosed that the Lagos State Harmonised Taxes and Levies Law had reduced over 60 taxes and levies to just nine while outlawing illegal collections by unauthorised unions and associations.

Sanwo-Olu also highlighted ongoing reforms in the electricity sector, revealing that the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission had licensed 14 independent power operators and commenced the rollout of 24-hour electricity franchise zones alongside a 100 per cent metering programme.

To improve professional standards, the Governor said the state was strengthening annual trade tests and craftsmen certification programmes in partnership with the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB).

He further announced that through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), the government had disbursed over ₦1.9 billion in affordable loans to more than 4,000 small businesses, provided grants to 65 enterprises, and offered collateral-free loans of up to ₦5 million at single-digit interest rates.

Sanwo-Olu added that an eight-week skills training programme for 1,200 artisans and tradesmen had commenced, while another 2,000 Lagosians would benefit from vocational and digital skills training through a partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

He urged artisans to embrace technology, continuously improve their skills and mentor younger professionals, stressing that vocational careers deserve the same respect as white-collar professions.

"When artisans thrive, families prosper. When families prosper, communities flourish, and Lagos becomes stronger, more competitive and more prosperous for all," the Governor said.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe, described the event as a celebration of the men and women whose skills, dedication and enterprise continue to shape Lagos' economy.

He commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering commitment to job creation, enterprise development and economic empowerment through programmes that expand opportunities for residents.

Ajigbotafe said artisans remain critical to the state's economic development through job creation, infrastructure maintenance, production of essential goods and services, and the training of future skilled professionals.

He reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to strengthening artisans through skills upgrading, entrepreneurship support, business formalisation, access to information and strategic partnerships with public and private sector organisations.

The Commissioner encouraged artisans to embrace digital technology, adopt modern production methods and position themselves to compete in both local and international markets.

Delivering her goodwill message, the Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Stella Osafile, praised artisans and tradesmen for their immense contributions to the growth and development of Lagos State.

She described artisans as resilient, creative and hardworking professionals whose services remain indispensable to the state's economy.

According to her, whether as tailors, carpenters, nail technicians, cosmetologists or other skilled professionals, artisans continue to strengthen communities through their expertise and enterprise.

Osafile urged young people to embrace vocational skills acquisition with pride, noting that technical and vocational professions offer enormous opportunities for self-reliance, entrepreneurship and sustainable wealth creation in today's global economy.

Also speaking, the President of the Lagos State Council of Tradesmen and Artisans, Engr. Lawrence Ajayi, reaffirmed the Council's commitment to working closely with the Lagos State Government to strengthen the informal sector.

Ajayi said artisans would continue to promote wealth creation, community prosperity and economic development across the state through professionalism, innovation and collaboration.

The 2026 Lagos State Artisans Day celebration featured recognition and awards for outstanding artisans across various trades in appreciation of their excellence, innovation and contributions to the continued growth of Lagos State.