Be innovative, professional and enterprising - Akinderu advises craftsmen

By Kayode Olopade

A call has gone to participants  at the ongoing Lagos State Master Craftsman Training Programme for Artisans in the Built Sector  "to be more  innovative, enterprising and professional in their conduct." 

The Honourable Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai gave this charge during an assessment visit to the venues of the Lagos State Master Craftsman Training Programme at Government Technical Colleges, Ikotun and Ikorodu.

Hon. Akinderu-Fatai while briefing participants, described the training programme as "a Sanwo-Olu Initiative geared towards upskilling craftsmen on modern technologies in the construction industry". 

He urged participants to be good ambassadors at the end of the programme by "stemming the tide of quackery in the built sector."

He expressed satisfaction at the level of teamwork and consensus building portrayed by the artisans during their practical sessions while urging the well-grounded craftsmen to adopt ‘‘Train the Trainer’’ method  to share the knowledge and experience garnered in the course of the training.

The Honourable Commissioner also urged the participants to encourage others to key into the next phase of the programme as he further stressed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is working assiduously to reduce unemployment in the state.

The Permanent Secretary for Housing, Mr.Kamar Olowoshago while giving his remark at the training centres disclosed that only certified Master Craftsmen by the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) will be uploaded on the Artisans Hub website for clients who needs their services.

He expressed gratitude to NIOB for the support given thus far in ensuring that the requisite standards of the 21st century methodology are met via the curriculum.

The consultant of Master Craftsman Training Programme, Mr. Razaq Jayieola in his response commended the zeal shown by the artisans while assuring the State Government of less importation of craftsmen from neighbouring countries. He aso  advised the participants to make good use of the work gears that will be given to them by the State Government.

A former National President of NIOB, Bld. Kunle Awobodu in his remark commended the State Government saying "that the programme is a laudable one that the institute is pleased and proud to associated with adding that it will help reduce drastically the level of substandard work encountered on construction sites."

Respresentatives of the beneficiaries of the programme, Solihu Azeez and Oyedele David who spoke on behalf of other participants appreciated Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for the opportunity availed them saying "that it has been a wonderful experience where they have had to unlearn, to learn and relearn in line with modern trends." 

They pledged to be good ambassadors of the State by reflecting the knowledge gained from the training  in their various trades.