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Tag: ASNAT

  • ASNAT urges members to shun Sowore-led protest

    ASNAT urges members to shun Sowore-led protest

    The Association of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT) has called on all its members nationwide to remain law-abiding and to shun any form of ill-informed and politically motivated protests being championed by Omoyele Sowore and other unscrupulous elements masquerading as freedom fighters.

    This call was contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by the National Coordinator of ASNAT, Comrade Adeshina Akinyemi, in reaction to the failed mass protest allegedly aimed at forcing the release of the proscribed IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, from detention.

    Comrade Akinyemi noted that while every Nigerian has the constitutional right to freely express opinions and demonstrate peacefully, such rights must not infringe upon the rights of other citizens to go about their lawful businesses without harassment or obstruction.

    He reminded ASNAT members of the critical role their services play in the daily survival, comfort, and economic well-being of Nigerians, urging them to remain focused on their legitimate trades and ignore any incitement by misguided politicians seeking to sow chaos under the guise of activism.

    The statement further emphasized that while the association sympathizes with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and his family, the law must be allowed to take its full course, especially as the matter is already before a competent court of jurisdiction.

    Comrade Akinyemi reiterated ASNAT’s commitment to national peace, stability, and economic progress, warning that no genuine national interest is served through violence or civil disorder.

    “We call on all our members across the federation to remain calm, law-abiding, and continue contributing their quota to the development of our great nation. The Association will not be part of any politically motivated attempt to destabilize Nigeria,”

    ‘The bad experience of the #EndSARS protest that nearly turned this country upside down; the agony and pains it inflicted on our members across the country is still fresh in our hearts. I therefore appeal to all Nigerian Artisans and Technicians to shun any form of participation either through physical presence or sharing of any incited message on social media.

  • ASNAT warns critics of ITF skills programme

    ASNAT warns critics of ITF skills programme

    Artisans and technicians across the country under the platform of the Association of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT) have condemned recent criticisms of the Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) programme being implemented by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) under the leadership of its Director-General, Dr Oluwatoyin Afiz Ogun.

    The group expressed concern over a statement allegedly issued by a group under the name “Concerned Citizens Advocates for Institutional Accountability,” which reportedly described the SUPA initiative as fraudulent.

    Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on the programme’s activities and outcomes, the National Coordinator of ASNAT, Mr Adeshina Akinyemi, said SUPA has positively impacted members by helping them scale up their skills and contribute to economic development.

    Akinyemi, while urging critics to refrain from misrepresenting the programme’s achievements, commended SUPA for significantly improving the skills and productivity of Nigerian artisans and technicians.

    He said: “Having appraised the activities of the Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) Programme and its positive impact on Nigerian artisans and technicians, we pass a vote of confidence on the programme and commend the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) for its effective implementation.”

    He continued: “We find it disappointing that certain voices have labeled SUPA a monumental fraud and made disparaging remarks about the leadership of the ITF. Such claims do not reflect the experiences of those who have directly benefited from the programme.”

    Akinyemi called on the public, the National Assembly, and the Presidency to remain focused on the achievements of the programme under the current ITF leadership.

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    He also applauded President Bola Tinubu for initiating the SUPA programme and commended the ITF Director-General for his role in its implementation.

    According to ASNAT, the SUPA Programme is a vital initiative that has enhanced the skills and economic prospects of thousands of artisans. The association pledged continued support for the ITF and collaboration on future initiatives.

    Also speaking, ASNAT Lady President, Mrs Jaiyeola Olatunji, said over 100,000 artisans have been trained so far, with the next training phase set to commence shortly.

    The National Secretary of ASNAT, Mr Bari Moses, added that the SUPA Programme is designed to equip Nigerian artisans with globally competitive skills.

    “Since the inception of the programme, there have been concerns from some quarters, but we, the beneficiaries, believe in its value and the opportunities it has created for us,” he said.

    Mr Mohammed Oshioke, who represented the President of the National Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), FCT chapter, called on the government to provide start-up support for trained artisans to help them establish businesses and contribute to national development.