The Lagos State Government has once again reaffirmed its commitment to empowering the informal sector, as it celebrated the 2025 edition of LASCOTA Day, an annual event dedicated to recognising the vital contributions of tradesmen and artisans across the state.
EpeInsights reports that event held on Thursday at the Blue Roof, LTV Complex in Ikeja, brought together thousands of artisans, industry leaders, and government stakeholders for a day of recognition, inspiration, and strategic engagement.
Representing Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu at the event, the Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, described tradesmen and artisans as the lifeblood of Lagos’ economy.
She praised their resilience and hard work, noting that their role remains central to the success of the state’s long-term development goals.
This year’s theme, “Building Tradesmen and Artisans for a Digital Future,” set the tone for conversations around innovation and the future of work. Governor Sanwo-Olu, in his message, emphasized the importance of digital literacy and technology adoption as crucial tools for artisans to remain competitive in an increasingly globalised and tech-driven world.
“The world is evolving rapidly, and technology is transforming how we live and work. Our artisans must be part of this transformation. With the right digital tools and skills, they can unlock new markets and improve their livelihoods,” the Governor noted.
Also lending her voice to the occasion was the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mrs. Anike Adekanye, a former Tutor-General and Permanent Secretary.
She reiterated her ongoing advocacy for inclusive empowerment, particularly for women in the informal sector and encouraged artisans to see technology as an enabler of growth.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon. Akinyemi Bankole Ajigbotafe, highlighted several government-led initiatives aimed at positioning artisans for success in the digital age.
These include; access to certification, digital profiling, training programmes, and microcredit facilities, all anchored under the THEMES Plus Agenda of the Sanwo-Olu administration.
“Our Ministry is collaborating with development partners and the private sector to ensure that artisans are digitally empowered and equipped to scale,” Ajigbotafe said.
He encouraged participants to embrace continuous learning and to take full advantage of emerging digital platforms that can help enhance trade practices and visibility.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, ESV Wasiu Adebayo Olayinka, also echoed these sentiments, affirming that every artisan in Lagos should have access to the resources and skills needed to thrive in the evolving economic landscape.
LASCOTA Day 2025 featured vibrant trade exhibitions, live skill demonstrations, award presentations, and interactive sessions, all designed to showcase talent and connect artisans to wider networks of opportunity.
The celebration not only honoured the hard work of Lagos’ tradesmen and artisans but also spotlighted the State Government’s broader commitment to building a smarter, stronger economy through inclusive growth, innovation, and digital transformation.
