Government urged to establish vocational centres for artisans

To check the dearth of skilled artisans, the government should establish vocational and technical schools .

This was the thoughts of experts at the public exhibition of furniture and real estate accessories, organised by IO Furniture to mark the May Day in Lagos.

At the event attended by government agencies , real estate developers and allied professionals, experts lamented the absence of skill labour in the real estate sector and called for a conceited effort to be spearheaded by government to change the narratives.

The founder and managing director of IO Furniture Limited, Mrs. Muni Shonibare said the policy of local content promotion cannot work without the traning of workers .

She stressed that there are a lot of works in the building sector , which cannot be done by local artisans thereby forcing manufacturers to look else.

According to her, the artisans need to work side by side with the engineers, architects, surveyors and builders. There is the need to create an industrial hub for their training

She said: “ Currently, I have machines to fix but I have to go abroad or invite expatriates to do it because of dearth of local artisans or machinist to fix them.”

Mrs. Shonibare urged government to invest more in vocational schools as well adjust the present curriculum in the existing institutions in Nigeria for the local content policy to be meaning full.

The exhibition, she said, was to encourage and appreciate workers as well as to showcase the latest furniture piece and accessories to existing and prospective clients.