The Kano State Government, in partnership with Global Sight Nigeria, has trained leaders of artisan and technician associations across the state on leadership and business development.
According to a statement, the Kano State government recently held a one-day training for participants from 164 associations to equip them with leadership skills to upscale their businesses and address misconceptions about leadership.
Commissioner for Investment, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Wada Sagagi, who was represented by the Director-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, Nasir Mansur, said the training would enable participants “to collaborate, share insights, and return to their businesses with renewed energy and hope.”
He said, “The one-day training is meant to equip leaders of artisan associations across Kano with leadership qualities contrary to the wrong perceptions about leadership.”
The event featured representatives from federal agencies, including the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, the Nigeria Export Promotion Council, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, the Corporate Affairs Commission, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria.
Chief Executive Officer of Global Sight Nigeria Limited, Dayo Bello, who is also the convener of the Nigerian Artisans and Technicians Conference, described the training as a collaborative effort between private organisations, the government, and relevant ministries and agencies to address Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Bello pointed out that his company “believes in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises,” adding “If we sit down and fold our arms, it will affect all of us. We are just trying to upscale their skills, let them get up to the standard.”
He stressed the need to “reframe the minds of our leaders so that the associations can start benefiting,” explaining that leadership at the grassroots was critical for effective communication between the government and citizens.
Bello also announced that the training was a pre-event activity ahead of the Nigerian Artisans and Technicians Conference scheduled to be held in Kano from May 26 to 28 at the Kano State Trade Fair Centre.
