Oyo State Government has provided free vocational and technical training, along with empowerment tools, to hundreds of youths, artisans, and traders during the 2025 Nigerian Artisans and Technicians Conference (OYO NATCO 2025). The three-day programme, held at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, focused on equipping participants with practical skills and resources to enhance productivity and support small business owners.
The training covered key areas such as gate automation, electric fence installation, smart lock systems, automated doors, CCTV installation, and solar panel setup. Participants noted that these skills are increasingly in demand as more homes and businesses invest in security systems, renewable energy, and technology-driven solutions to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, 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 micro enterprises 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.”
He stated that the programme aligns with Governor Makinde’s vision of enterprise development, skill enhancement, and industrial expansion through public-private partnerships. He commended Global Sight Services Limited (GSSL), the 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, praised the Oyo State Government and GSSL for their foresight. He described the theme of the conference, “Empowering the Workforce for a Sustainable Economy,” as significant. He reiterated the Federal Government’s support for the informal sector through training, certification, and access to finance, noting the important role artisans play in local economic development.
The Managing Director of Global Sight Services Ltd, Mr. Dayo Bello, emphasized the need for artisans to adapt to modern technology to remain competitive. He explained that NATCO serves as a bridge connecting product manufacturers, service providers, and end users to encourage innovation.
The three-day conference featured exhibitions and interactive sessions with regulatory and development agencies including CAC, SON, NAFDAC, ITF, NEPC, SMEDAN, NIPC, and FCCPC. These sessions guided participants on certification, business registration, product standardization, and opportunities for small business loans and enterprise expansion support.
The event climaxed with the presentation of empowerment tools and household items such as tool sets, sewing machines, generators, fans, blenders, hair dryers, and other work equipment. Hon. Adebisi stated that “empowerment is not just about training. It is about giving people the means to put that training to work.”
Speaking during the presentation, the Babaloja General of Oyo, Alhaji Y.K. Abass, commended Governor Makinde’s administration for consistently supporting artisans and traders. He said the initiative would encourage more youths to embrace vocational skills and reduce unemployment.
Some beneficiaries described the empowerment as helpful. A young technician, Abideen Salami, said his new toolbox would ease his daily challenges. A trader, Mrs. Bose Adetayo, and a hairdresser, Miss Kemi Oseni, expressed gratitude, saying the support would help them expand their small businesses and improve their livelihoods.
