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Tag: Association of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians

  • Artisans, technicians appeal for support from state governors

    Artisans, technicians appeal for support from state governors

    The National Coordinator, Association of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT) Comrade Adeshina Akinyemi has appealed to the thirty six state governors including the Federal Capital Territory FCT to support artisans, technicians in their various states to reduce unemployment in the country.

    Adesina in a statement said, the focus is on job creation and skills development. The association is urging governors and critical stakeholders in all the states of the federation to promote and support artisans and technicians in their respective states.

    He made this appeal at the second edition of  the Nigerian Artisans and Technicians Exhibition Fair (NATEF), in Abuja, with a platform dedicated to promoting skills development, craftsmanship, national unity and mutual acceptance.

    According to him, “The event is for five days, September 23 to Saturday 27. The event will showcase showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, promote cross-cultural understanding and foster business opportunities. The NATEF 2025 is a working exhibition designed to stimulate economic growth by promoting local production to support artisans and technicians nationwide.

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    “This will attract international visitors to witness Nigerian artisans’ exceptional skills. We envision NATEF as an annual tourism event, attracting international visitors to witness Nigerian artisans’ exceptional skills. We urge all stakeholders, including state governors and lawmakers, to support NATEF by sponsoring local artisans and technicians. This event will showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, promote cross-cultural understanding, and foster business opportunities.

    “NATEF 2025 will feature a working exhibition, workshops, networking opportunities for industry professionals and potential, promoting Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage and raffle draws with unique prizes to be won by delegates, as well as modern music and cultural displays by different musical groups and cultural troupes.”

    The association is also partnering with the Presidential Initiative on CNG (PICNG), over a 100 petrol-powered vehicles would be converted to CNG free of charge during the exhibition. Award will be given to two distinguished Nigerians for their performances in various fields and support for Nigerian artisans.

    Speaking, the National Lady President of ASNAT, Mrs Jaiyeola Olatunji, encouraged Nigerian women to explore various trades and skills acquisition, even in male-dominated fields, emphasizing that women should not be limited by cultural beliefs and should instead offer their potential to contribute to the socio-economic well-being of the society.

  • Artisans to showcase world’s best artwork through exhibition, fair

    Artisans to showcase world’s best artwork through exhibition, fair

    The Association of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT) is set to showcase some of the world’s finest locally-made products at the upcoming Artisan Exhibition and Fair in Nigeria.

    Comrade Adesina Akinyemi, National Coordinator of ASNAT, commended the Director General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Oluwatoyin Afiz Ogun, for supporting artisans through the Skill Up Artisan (SUPA) program.

    He noted that the Fund has facilitated numerous programs and projects aimed at enhancing artisans’ skills.

    The exhibition will take place from September 30 to October 2, 2024, in Abuja. Akinyemi announced this during a press conference, inviting all stakeholders and the general public to the Nigerian Artisan and Technician Exhibition and Fair (NATEF) 2024.

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    He emphasised that the event aims to promote higher value-added processing and local production activities in Nigeria.

    He stated: “This will stimulate economic growth and promote the development of local artisans and technicians. Beyond supporting the economy, NATEF will open doors of opportunity for local technicians and artisans to showcase various locally made and unique products that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

    “We appeal to all state governors in Nigeria to support this vision through partnership by sponsoring at least 100 artisans and technicians from their states to NATEF for participation. We equally appeal to the National Assembly through the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives to urge all distinguished Senators and House members to at least sponsor 50 artisans and technicians from their Senatorial district.

    “The idea behind this fair is to make it an annual tourism event that will attract and bring people from all over the world to connect with our local artisans in the country. This program will also serve as a hub for establishing contacts between our local and international artisans”.

    Akinyemi lamented that Nigerians have forgotten the existence of the artisans, all we are working to do now is to bring back the artwork of years ago with quality.

    “Our slogan is ‘Reaching out seeking attention is what we are doing right, artisans need attention again”, he said.

  • Artisans laud ITF for engaging members

    Artisans laud ITF for engaging members

    The National Coordinator, Association of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT), Comrade Adesina Akinyemi has applauded the leadership of Industrial Training Fund (ITF) for engaging artisans and technicians after 53years its establishment.

    Akinyemi disclosed this during a press conference in Abuja, stating that the Director-General ITF, Oluwatoyin Afiz Ogun’s leadership is the only one that has been thoughtful to engage artisans and Technicians on roundtable meeting to deliberate on the developmental plans and capacity building for Nigerian artisans and Technicians.

    He said: “The renewed hope agenda of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu is evidently and actively manifesting in the direction it should as the DG of ITF Afiz Ogun eliminates distraction and remains focus in order for the organization to achieve excellent performance and result.

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    “Artisans and Technicians are applauding Ogun’s tireless efforts in believing that we can compete favourably with our international counterparts, the informal sector or blue sector also commands 80.4 per cent of Nigerian unemployment rate. I can categorically tell Nigerians that the future lifespan and economy of this country lies in the hands of the informal sector”.

    Akinyemi added that, the ITF DG recently introduced the Skill-Up-Artisans, programme, SUPA which is designed with the purpose of ensuring that Nigerian Artisans and Technicians access updated knowledge and skills, essential tools, equipment and funds to expand trade and enhance employment opportunities, as he appealed to all Nigerians artisans and Technicians to key into the SUPA programme by registering and participating to get training for certified status.

    Speaking, The National President, Hair dresser and Cosmologist, Evangelist Angela A bike Ibinle has called on government support in the area of hair dressing, noting that they are close to end users and that there is need for assistance from the government.