ONDO STATE AGOG AS STATE HOST FIRST GLOBAL ARTISANS DAY IN GRAND STYLE .

By Dupson Collins, 18th April,2026

It was the gathering of who-who-who in the capital city of Ondo State during the first Global Artisan Days to be hosted in the state.

The leadership of the Ondo State Artisans Group (OSAG) under Apostle Adefioye Gbenga-Gure joined artisans across the world, on 18th April to mark the historic with a strong call for the recognition, empowerment, and transformation of artisans into a globally competitive workforce.

In his welcome address, the President General of OSAG, described the occasion as a historic milestone dedicated to celebrating artisans—the often overlooked but indispensable drivers of societal development.

The President-General stated that artisans remain the backbone of communities, contributing significantly to everyday life through their skills and services.

His words: “From carpenters to electricians, welders to plasterers, artisans shape our homes, fix our systems, and keep our cities running. Their contributions are invaluable and must be recognized, respected, and rewarded,” he said.

He added that in today’s rapidly evolving world, the role of artisans must move beyond traditional craftsmanship to a more structured, certified, and globally competitive sector.

OSAG leader stressed the urgent need for professionalisation and certification to elevate artisans from informal labour into highly valued trades capable of meeting international standards and improving earning potential.

He further highlighted the importance of digital transformation, urging artisans to leverage technology, social media, and e-commerce platforms to expand their market reach beyond local boundaries.

He further called for stronger mentorship frameworks to bridge the skills gap, ensuring that experienced artisans transfer knowledge to younger generations. This, he said, would not only preserve traditional craftsmanship but also reduce unemployment and dependence on imported goods.

Apostle Adefioye also commended the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiatives aimed at empowering artisans, particularly the Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) programme of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), led by its Director General, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun.

” The Federal Government programme has already trained over 100,000 artisans nationwide, with plans to scale up to millions, thereby enhancing productivity, improving access to modern tools, and opening up better job and export opportunities”.

While praising the Director General of Industrial Training Fund, Dr. Afiz Ogun, he described the Akoko born Visionary Leader as the “Artisans’ Father” whose vision and commitment made the celebration a reality in Ondo State.

According to him: “The leadership of Dr Afiz Ogun at ITF has brought rapid development to the artisans’ community and significantly advanced the implementation of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda”.

OSAG leadership specially thanked the DG over his support in sponsoring Ondo State artisans to align with the global celebration, describing the event as the first of its kind in the history of Nigerian artisans.

While delivering his address, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun commended the Ondo State Artisans Group for its organisation and commitment to aligning with global best practices, noting that the celebration marks a new era for artisans in Nigeria.

He emphasized that artisans remain central to the nation’s economic diversification agenda and assured that the Industrial Training Fund will continue to drive policies and programmes that enhance capacity building, certification, and access to modern tools.

He further highlighted the impact of the SUPA initiative, stating that the programme is designed not only to upgrade skills but to reposition Nigerian artisans for global competitiveness, improve their income base, and integrate them into the formal economy.

He encouraged artisans to take full advantage of ongoing training opportunities, embrace innovation, and uphold professionalism in their various trades.

Also speaking at the event, Otunba Femi Adeyanju, National President of Nigerian Artisans and Tradesmen, expressed satisfaction with the organisation and turnout of the event. He lauded the leadership of the Ondo State Artisans Group, noting that the celebration exceeded expectations.

“I am highly impressed. I never imagined it would be this impactful. The leadership here in Ondo State has demonstrated commitment and vision. This is a proud moment for artisans,” he said, while appreciating the Industrial Training Fund for sponsoring the event.

He added that the event truly represented the global artisans’ movement within Ondo State and underscored the importance of continued collaboration among stakeholders.

The event also featured goodwill messages and remarks from key dignitaries, including the Ondo State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Akin Akinbola, and other stakeholders. Members of various artisan groups across the state were present in large numbers to celebrate the historic occasion.

The celebration concluded with a renewed call for sustained investment in artisans, emphasizing their role as nation builders, innovators, and custodians of cultural heritage.