The Lagos State Registration Agency (LASRRA) has successfully hosted a significant meeting with the Lagos State Council of Tradesmen and Artisans (LASCOTA) aimed at fostering greater unity, understanding, and empowerment within the trades and artisan sectors.
The event, held today at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Ikeja centered on the theme “One Identity, One Lagos – Building Stronger Futures for Our Tradesmen and Artisans” and drew hundreds of participants, indicated the press release of Basirat A. Lawal, the LASRRA Director (Public Affairs)
Speaking at the event, the General Manager, LASRRA, Mrs. Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola during the welcome address emphasized why the Agency took it as a matter of urgent public importance to meet and address the LASCOTA family. She said that the meeting underscored the importance of continued partnerships between the government, the trades and artisan communities.
“With Lagos being a hub of commerce, innovation, and culture, the event was a reminder of the significant role that skilled tradespeople play in the State’s development”, she said.
“We are committed to making sure that our tradesmen and artisans are not left behind. Through initiatives like today’s event, we are not just raising awareness but also providing the tools, knowledge, and connections that will help our tradespeople succeed and build stronger futures for themselves and their families.” She concluded.
The highlight of the meeting was the keynote lecture delivered by the CEO, Identiko Integrated Solutions, Jide Agbaje, one of the LASRRA partners. In his address, Mr. Agbaje who was represented by the Lead, Business Development department, Mr. Bamikole Ajayi called for greater unity and collaboration among the various trades in Lagos, stressing the importance of collective identity in building a stronger, more resilient future for the State’s workforce.
“The artisans and tradesmen of Lagos are the City’s unsung heroes. You are the spine, the muscles and the heartbeat of this great megacity. We are here to talk about how we move from being unsung heroes to the celebrated, respected and prosperous ones”.
According to Ajayi, “One Identity, One Lagos is not just a rallying cry, it is the essence of who we are as Lagos residents. When tradesmen and artisans stand together as one, we have the power to shape our own destiny and ensure a sustainable future for ourselves, our families, and our city,” he said.
He emphasized that the strength of Lagos is built on the hard work and dedication of its artisans and tradesmen. He also highlighted several key initiatives aimed at improving the working conditions of tradespeople, including enhanced registration processes, access to business development programs, and government support for small businesses.
The LASRRA representatives were also on hand to discuss the importance of proper registration for tradespeople, ensuring they are part of the official database to access more benefits, including government contracts, healthcare, and educational programs.
To underscore the fact that the event was about not only empowering and informing our artisans and tradesmen but also celebrating them and their contributions to the State’s economy and culture, in a lighthearted and festive conclusion to the event, a “Game of Luck” was organized, where several lucky winners went home with beautiful Ankara fabrics. These are a small token of appreciation for showing up in their good numbers.
The Lagos State Registration Agency (LASRRA) is committed to fostering an organized and regulated environment for the trades and artisan sectors in Lagos. The agency works to ensure that all tradespeople are properly registered and recognized, allowing them to access a variety of government programs designed to promote their welfare and growth.
The officials of Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) and Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) were also on ground to sensitize the tradesmen and artisans and why it is very important for them to make sure that they are in LASRRA’s database.
Dignitaries at the event include Chairman, House Committee on Science and Technology, Hon. Seyi Lawal; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (MIST) Engr. (Mrs.) Ibilola Kasunmu; Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget and Planning, Mr. Olalekan Balogun; the Card Project Manager, Mr. Akin Kehinde to mention a few.