Artisans, technicians urge local product patronage, seek government support

By Adeola Ogunrinde

Artisans and technicians across Nigeria, under the Association of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT), are calling for increased patronage of local products to support the economy, particularly grassroots small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

During a press conference at Jasmine Hotel, Abuja, Comrade Adeshina Akinyemi, the National Coordinator of ASNAT, unveiled the upcoming Nigerian Artisans and Technicians Exhibitions and Fair (NATEF, Abuja 2024), scheduled for Monday, September 30 to Wednesday, October 2, at the Moshood Abiola Stadium Velodrome, Abuja.

Akinyemi urged all Nigerian state governors to sponsor at least 100 artisans and technicians from their respective states to participate in the event, which will showcase state heritage and cultural diversity through skill demonstrations, products, crafts, and talents.

He also called on the National Assembly, through Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Hon. Tajudeen Abass, to encourage lawmakers to sponsor at least 50 artisans from their senatorial districts and 30 from federal constituencies to attend NATEF, Abuja 2024.

ASNAT is seeking partnerships and sponsorships from individuals, corporations, government agencies, and international organizations to support the exhibition. Akinyemi emphasized that such support would boost economic growth, sustain local jobs, and promote the development of local artisans and technicians.

“The event, themed ‘Nigerian Artisans and Technicians Exhibitions and Fair (NATEF, Abuja 2024),’ serves as a platform to foster skills development, craftsmanship, national unity, and cultural preservation,” Akinyemi stated. “NATEF will drive economic growth by enhancing local production and adding value to Nigerian-made products.”

Beyond its economic impact, Akinyemi highlighted the potential for NATEF to open international doors for local artisans by showcasing unique, locally made products to a global audience. “Our vision is to make this an annual tourism event that attracts people from all over the world to connect with Nigeria’s artisans and technicians through their exhibited crafts.”

He added that the delegates would gain invaluable networking opportunities, raising awareness of their skills while promoting their products and services.

Reflecting on the need to revive support for local businesses, Akinyemi lamented, “There was a time when supporting local products was not a choice but a way of life, and our economy thrived. Today, with much of what we consume being imported, the naira has plummeted in value, and the prosperity we once enjoyed has faded.”

He called for a return to local patronage, stating, “Nigerian artisans need attention, acceptance, and patronage from all levels of society—government, private corporations, and international communities. NATEF will help us reintroduce ourselves and our products to the nation.”

Akinyemi also commended Dr. Oluwatoyin Afiz Ogun, Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), for initiatives like the Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) program, which has helped enhance the skills and knowledge of Nigerian artisans.

Mrs. Angela Akanle, National President of the Nigerian Association of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists (NASHCO), praised the NATEF initiative, describing it as a much-needed platform for Nigerian artisans. “We will mobilize our members to fully participate in the event. It’s time for Nigerian artisans to showcase their work and receive the recognition they deserve,” she said.

Similarly, Comrade Shola Oyeshola, National Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Tailors (NUT), appealed to state governors to sponsor local artisans to attend NATEF. “This is a rare opportunity for us to showcase local products and craftsmanship, unlike past events organized by external agencies that offered little benefit.”

Ahmed Ibrahim, National President of the Nigerian Association of Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Practitioners (NARAP), echoed this sentiment, urging artisans to prepare for the exhibition, as it offers a prime opportunity to display their skills and products to a larger audience.