In a significant move to foster economic development, the Oyo State Government has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment and Global sight services Limited (GSSL) to host the maiden edition of the Nigerian Artisans and Technicians Conference (NATCO 2024). Scheduled to take place from November 19 to 21, 2024, at the Lekan Salami Stadium Adamasingba, Ibadan, the conference theme, “Innovation: Key to Sustainability in the New Economic Reality,” reflects the state’s commitment to driving growth through innovation.
Honourable Adeniyi Adebisi, Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment, and Cooperatives, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting Oyo State’s dedication to empowering artisans and technicians. “This conference will provide a platform for knowledge sharing, skill development, and collaboration between the informal and corporate sectors,” he noted.
Mr. Dayo Bello, Managing Director of Global Sight Services Limited, applauded the Oyo State Government’s support, emphasizing NATCO 2024’s potential to bridge gaps between artisans, technicians, and the corporate sector. “By bringing together product manufacturers and service providers, we aim to forge productive relationships that drive innovation and economic growth,” he said.
The conference promises to:
– Showcase products and services from manufacturers and brand owners
– Provide regulatory information directly to artisans, technicians, and manufacturers
– Foster collaboration between artisans, technicians, and corporate entities.
He stated that the conference also boasts an impressive lineup of collaborators, including:
– Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC)
– Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)
– National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC)
– National Agency for Food, Drug and Administration Control ( NAFDAC)
– Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON)
– Development Bank of Nigeria ( DBN)
– Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC)
– Industrial Training Fund(ITF)
– Bank of Industry (BOI)
– Nigeria Investment Promotion Council ( NIPC)
Mr. Dayo Bello said that Oyo State’s partnership with the Federal Government and private sector stakeholders like Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria ( SMEDAN) demonstrates its commitment to creating an enabling environment for business growth and development. This initiative aligns with Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision to make Oyo State the gateway to sustainable investments in Nigeria.