IBADAN  –  THE Oyo State Government has empowered hundreds of youths, artisans, and traders through a three-day free vocational and technical training programme, as part of the 2025 Nigerian Artisans and Technicians Conference (OYO NATCO 2025) held at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

The programme, which focused on practical skill development and empowerment, covered key areas including gate automation, electric fence installation, smart lock systems, automated doors, CCTV installation, and solar panel setup.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, who represented Governor Seyi Makinde, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to empowering artisans and small business owners as a strategy for achieving sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

He described artisans and technicians as “the unsung heroes transforming ideas into tangible products, driving innovation at the grassroots, and keeping our economy functioning every day.”

According to him, the programme aligns with Governor Makinde’s vision of promoting enterprise development, skill enhancement, and industrial expansion through public-private partnerships. He lauded Global Sight Services Limited (GSSL), the state’s implementing partner, for collaborating with the Ministry to organize the second edition of OYO NATCO.

Also speaking, the Assistant Director of Industrial Development and representative of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Engr. Mohammed Imam, commended the Oyo State Government and GSSL for their foresight, describing the conference theme ; “Empowering the Workforce for a Sustainable Economy” as timely and inspiring.

He reiterated the Federal Government’s support for the informal sector through training, certification, and access to finance.

The Managing Director of Global Sight Services Ltd, Mr. Dayo Bello, emphasized the importance of adapting to modern technology in the artisan sector, noting that NATCO serves as a bridge between product manufacturers, service providers, and end-users to drive innovation and competitiveness.

The three-day event featured exhibitions and interactive sessions with key regulatory and development agencies such as CAC, SON, NAFDAC, ITF, NEPC, SMEDAN, NIPC, and FCCPC, all aimed at guiding artisans on certification, standardization, and business growth.

The conference climaxed with the presentation of empowerment tools and household items to participants, including tool sets, sewing machines, generators, fans, blenders, hair dryers, and other work equipment.

Hon. Adebisi noted that empowerment is not just about training. it is about giving people the means to put that training to work.

He said “When we equip our youths and artisans with the right tools, we are helping them to build confidence, independence, and prosperity.”

Speakimg also, the Babaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaji Y.K. Abass, who joined in the symbolic presentation, commended Governor Makinde’s administration for consistently supporting artisans and traders across the state.

Some beneficiaries described the gesture as life-changing. A young technician, Abideen Salami, said his new toolbox would ease his daily struggles, while a trader, Mrs. Bose Adetayo and a hairdresser, Miss Kemi Oseni expressed gratitude for receiving items that would boost their small businesses.

Organisers and participants hailed the programme as a success, describing the large turnout and positive impact as proof of citizens’ confidence in the Makinde administration’s commitment to economic empowerment and inclusive growth.

…as Industrial Crisis Mgmt Comm. task Companies on Labour Rights Compliance

The Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to the welfare of workers in the course of its  industry friendly policies in the State.

The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry; Hon. Adebisi Adeniyi made this known during a sensitization visit to the Nigerian Breweries and the Nigerian Bottling Company (Coca-Cola) on Tuesday.

According to him, the sensitization visit is a routine exercise of the  Industrial Crisis Management Committee established by the State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde to ensure workers’ welfare.

The Commissioner who was represented by the Director of Industry; Engr. Mrs. Majeedat Olanrewaju, who led a delegation of the  Committee to both organizations.

The Commissioner explained that the Oyo State  Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, has charged the committee to ensure a good rapport between employers and their staff in companies operating in Oyo State.

He said, “This committee is interested in ensuring that many of the disparities in welfare conditions of permanent and contract staff are bridged in order to ensure a worker friendly and productive working environment in the State.

While  addressing  the management team and the leaders of the labour unions at both organizations, the Commissioner identified welfare and safety concerns and  maintenance of peace as the core interests of the committee.

He therefore  charged the management team at NBC to expand the restaurant facility to ensure a healthier and hygienic dining environment.

During a facility tour at the Nigerian Breweries, the Brewery Manager, Seun Akinwale, as well as the Corporate Affairs Manager, West & Midwest, Danjuma John-Ekele, stated that the company consider safety and welfare of workers as the biggest subject while ensuring adequate remuneration, welfare packages to both permanent and outsourced workforce.

The Union Chairmen at Nigerian Breweries, Comrade Festus Olubiyo and Comrade Lanbe Lukman of the NBC both applauded the smooth working relationship existing between their members  and the organizations.

Highlights of the visit include the inspection of the restaurants, changing rooms, some production lines and some restrooms sections of the business environment.

In their separate responses, the Cooperate Affairs Manager, Mrs. Ifeoma Okoye and the Plant Manager at NBC, Mr. Andrew Barnabas expressed NBC’s readiness to work  with the Government and comply with Government policies to enhance trade and workers’ welfare.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Hon. Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.

In a renewed effort to safeguard lives and properties, the Oyo State Government has announced its intention to deepen collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to stem the tide of sub-standard steel and iron rods circulating in the market.

The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, gave the assurance while receiving SON delegation led by the Special Assistant to the Director General/Chief Executive of SON on Strategic Support, Mr. Manji Pius, in his office at the State Secretariat, Ibadan.

He said the partnership will promote public safety, quality assurance, and sustainable industrial development in the State.

Hon. Adebisi said the Oyo State Government under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde has increasingly turned its attention to enforcing building and engineering standards.

He commended SON for its proactive role in safeguarding lives and strengthening industrial integrity through the enforcement of product standards nationwide.

Adebisi emphasized that Oyo State aligns fully with the organisation’s mission, describing quality assurance as a critical component of the State’s economic and industrial growth agenda.

“We appreciate the efforts of SON, especially in addressing issues that affect the safety and confidence of our people. The Ministry is fully ready to partner with you to ensure that substandard products are eradicated from our market”.

He urged SON to consider Oyo State as a strategic location for its proposed laboratory complex, citing the state’s industrial potential and growing reputation as a hub for manufacturing and trade in the South-West region.

Hon. Adebisi further highlighted that “Made-in-Oyo” products have continued to attract both national and international attention, especially during trade exhibitions such as the 2025 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) in Algiers, Algeria, where Oyo-made goods drew significant foreign interest.

He stressed that maintaining product quality and standardization would further enhance the competitiveness of local manufacturers in global markets.

The Commissioner assured that the Ministry would support the process once a formal request is made for land allocation, adding that the establishment of such a facility would enhance regulatory efficiency and attract further investment into the State.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Mamud Okesade, described SON’s initiative as crucial to ensuring industrial growth and public safety.

He reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to supporting SON’s mandate, adding that the Ministry would work closely with the organisation through a joint technical committee to develop practical strategies for collaboration, quality monitoring, and public sensitization.

In his remarks,  the Special Assistant to the Director General/Chief Executive of SON on Strategic Support, Mr. Manji Pius, said the visit was aimed at seeking partnership with the Oyo State Government to curb the circulation of low-quality steel materials that have contributed to the alarming rate of building collapses across the Country.

He explained that SON’s ongoing nationwide campaign was designed to combat the proliferation of substandard steel and iron rods, one of the major causes of building collapses in Nigeria.

He disclosed that investigations have revealed that over 85 percent of collapsed buildings in the country were linked to the use of undersized or low-quality reinforcement bars.

According to him, the SON Act No. 14 of 2015 empowers the organisation to set and enforce standards for all manufactured and imported products in Nigeria, including steel and construction materials.

“SON has been carrying out regular inspections and enforcement exercises to ensure that only products that meet the Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS 117) are allowed in the market,”

he stated.

Mr. Pius also highlighted that standardization plays a critical role in Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as only products that meet approved national and continental standards will qualify for intra-African trade.

He appealed for Oyo State’s support, particularly in providing land for the construction of a befitting SON office and laboratory in Ibadan to enhance regulatory capacity in the South-West region.

The visit underscored the shared vision of both institutions to promote industrial excellence, ensure product integrity, and strengthen consumer confidence in Oyo State and Nigeria at large.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Hon. Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State.

…attracts more than 800 Workers

The Oyo State Government’s pilot digitized Bulk Purchase Initiative has drawn significant attention, attracting over 800 workers in more than 20 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) who have subscribed to the initiative within its pilot phase.

In a statement issued and made available on Thursday to the media, the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, said the welfare program will be implemented in partnership with Foodbank, a subsidiary of Sovereign Technology and Innovations Limited.

He expressed delight at the level of enthusiasm and trust shown by Oyo State workers toward the upgraded welfare scheme implemented in partnership with Foodbank, a subsidiary of Sovereign Technology and Innovations Limited.

He explained that the programme demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring that workers enjoy sustainable and affordable food access using modern technology.

Hon. Adebisi explained that the digitized scheme, which allows workers to order food packages conveniently through the Foodbank App, was designed not only to ease access to quality food items but also to promote transparency and efficiency in Government welfare programmes.

The Commissioner also commended the management of Foodbank, a subsidiary of Sovereign Technology and Innovations Limited, for its professionalism and commitment to ensuring smooth operations of the digital platform and a rewarding experience for every participant.

Hon. Adebisi further explained that the digitized Bulk Purchase Program offers various affordable combo packages ranging from ₦27,080 to ₦106,900 with payment conveniently spread across two monthly deductions.

He emphasized that the programme, which began as  welfare support for festive periods, has now evolved into an all-year-round initiative to strengthen food security and support the purchasing power of Oyo State’s workforce.

“We are pleased with the turnout so far. More than 800 civil servants from over 20 MDAs have already keyed into this upgraded Bulk Purchase Programme, which shows that our workforce truly appreciates Governor Seyi Makinde’s visionary approach to workers’ welfare. This initiative reflects our administration’s belief that technology can be a tool for social support and economic stability.”

“This impressive response underscores how relevant and impactful the initiative is. It was conceptualized to make life easier for our civil servants by providing flexible, affordable food purchase options that can be accessed digitally. We are glad to see that workers are embracing it wholeheartedly. The ministry will continue to work with our partners to ensure seamless implementation.”

“The partnership with Foodbank has been exemplary, and we are proud of the efficiency and innovation they bring into this process. This collaboration reflects Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision of leveraging technology for social impact, and we believe this model is one other states can emulate.”

“We are glad that this pilot phase has been met with widespread approval among civil servants. It is a tech-driven solution that directly addresses the current economic realities and enhances workers’ well-being. The Oyo State Government remains committed to promoting welfare initiatives that improve the quality of life of our people while driving inclusive economic growth,” Hon. Adebisi concluded.

The Oyo State Government has urged private company owners to prioritize their employees’ welfare, emphasizing that a healthy and secured workforce is crucial for a thriving economy and society.

The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Commerce, and Cooperatives, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi stated this on Tuesday during the ongoing engagement and Sensitization visit by the Industrial Crisis Management Team to various production companies within the Ibadan metropolis.

The Commissioner, who was represented by the Director of Industry, Engr. Mrs. Majeedat Olanrewaju said the visit is a continuation of sensitization engagement with the production companies in the State aimed at improving workplace safety, protecting workers’ welfare, and preventing industrial crises in the State.

He explained that the engagement was also to afford the team  interaction with management and union representatives, ensure workers’ welfare, and verify that health facilities and safety standards are in place.

He reiterated the Governor Seyi Makinde led administration’s commitment to fostering a more robust and investor-friendly environment in the State.

According to him, the visit will avail the team opportunity to evaluate what has been done, what is  currently being done and the future plans of production companies in the State for the welfare of their staff.

“The essence of the outreach is to ensure that all the private companies in the State comply with the employees’ rights and comply with safety regulations to do their business in a very friendly and peaceful environment.

Responding during the visit, management teams of the companies visited appreciated the State Government for establishing the Oyo State Industrial Crisis Management Team, saying the team will play significant roles in preventing employer worker’s crisis in the private companies in the State.

They commended the State Government, particularly under Governor Seyi Makinde, for fostering a business-friendly environment for businesses that thrive in the State .

Also, the visiting team inspected the factories and other facilities to assess and inspect critical infrastructure such as toilets, canteens, staff clinics, fire control systems including extinguishers and fire trucks, and first aid facilities.

The production companies visited include NOURDM Global Company Ltd., UGEE Chemical Ltd., and Polyfilm Packaging, all in Ibadan.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information and Orientation,

Oyo State.

The Oyo State Government has commenced a statewide sensitisation and advocacy campaign aimed at improving workplace safety, protecting workers’ welfare, and preventing industrial crises in the state.

Speaking during the flag-off campaign in Ibadan on Thursday, the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, said the exercise was a proactive step to engage industries, educate stakeholders, and build a culture of safety and mutual respect in the workplace.

“As a responsible and responsive government, we should not wait for crisis before engaging our industries. They play a vital role in the growth of Oyo State’s economy, and this initiative will allow us to interact with them directly, verify data, understand their challenges, and work together to find solutions. It will also help boost the state’s revenue,” the Commissioner stated.

He explained that the sensitization exercise follows the inauguration of the Industrial Crisis Management Team, which will coordinate industrial safety interventions across the state.

He added that the government is also working on establishing a Quality Control Department in the Ministry that will serve as a link between government and industries, ensuring that products made in Oyo State meet acceptable standards locally and nationally.

The Commissioner noted that the campaign will involve monthly visits to production companies and industrial hubs.

The second week of August has been set aside for Ibadan-based industries, while the third week will focus on Oyo town as the first pilot location outside the state capital.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Okesade, said the visit to industries such as Sumal Foods Limited, Seven-Up Bottling Company, Zartech Limited and Nisalee Industries Limited, were to interact with management and union representatives, ensure workers’ welfare, and verify that health facilities and safety standards are in place.

He stated that the essence of the outreach is to prevent disputes, protect employees’ rights, and ensure compliance with safety regulations as directed by the Federal Government.

“His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, is committed to making workers’ welfare in the private sector as good as those in the public sector. We have observed high compliance levels, but it is important to sustain these standards,” he said.

As part of the ongoing exercise, the sensitization team toured the factories and other facilities to assess and inspect critical infrastructure such as toilets, canteens, staff clinics, fire control systems including extinguishers and fire trucks, as well as first aid facilities.

The Ministry noted that this same inspection and engagement process was carried out in all the previous factories visited during the campaign, including Sumal Foods Limited, Seven-Up Bottling Company, and Zartech Limited.

The exercise, according to the Ministry, will continue across other industries and companies in Oyo State.

The sensitization exercise is being carried out by the Industrial Crisis Management Unit, which was established following a resolution by the Oyo State House of Assembly in November 2024.

The Unit was one of the key recommendations of the Joint Committee on Employment, Labour, Productivity, Pensions, Health, Nutrition and Food Security after investigating the July 22, 2024 incident at the “YALE 3” branch of Sumal Foods Limited, Oluyole Industrial Estate, Ibadan.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,
Commissioner for Information and Orientation,
Oyo State.

The Oyo State Government has called on the Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI) to take full advantage of opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement to expand their products and reach new markets.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Mr. Olajide Mamud Okesade, who represented the Honourable Commissioner, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, gave this charge while receiving the new leadership of NASSI during a courtesy visit to the Ministry in Ibadan.

Mr. Okesade noted that AfCFTA presents vast prospects for industrialists to grow their businesses beyond local borders and urged the association to prepare well-structured proposals—clearly stating their needs and expectations—that could guide government interventions. He stressed that small-scale industrialists are crucial to the State’s economic growth and that their role is “much needed at this time” in driving production, job creation, and innovation.

The Permanent Secretary assured that the Ministry remains committed to creating an enabling environment and fostering collaborations that will strengthen the capacity of small-scale industries in the State.

Earlier, the delegation from NASSI, established in 1978 and registered under the Land (Perpetual Succession) Act, introduced its newly inaugurated executive members and expressed appreciation to the Ministry for its parental role in supporting the sector. The association also called for increased collaboration with the Ministry to further enhance the growth of small-scale enterprises across Oyo State.

The Oyo State Government has reiterated its unwavering support for the growth and sustainability of cooperative societies as key players in economic development and grassroots empowerment.

This assurance was given by the Honourable Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, who represented the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, at the 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Odua Cooperative Conglomerate Limited. The event was held on Wednesday, 30th July 2025, at the historic Obisesan Hall, Ibadan.

The AGM served as a platform for the presentation of the association’s annual report and financial accounts, as well as the formal recognition of the outgoing President, Chief Felix Ajibode, for his distinguished service and contributions to the cooperative movement.

In his address, Hon. Adebisi commended the Odua Cooperative Conglomerate for its positive contributions to economic development within Oyo State and the entire Southwest region. He urged the newly inaugurated management board to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and strengthened cooperation with government institutions in order to further advance the sector.

“The administration of Governor Seyi Makinde will continue to provide the necessary support and enabling environment for cooperatives to thrive, as they remain crucial to the government’s economic agenda and poverty alleviation strategies,” the Commissioner stated.

The event witnessed the presence of top cooperative stakeholders and dignitaries from across Southwest Nigeria. These included the Permanent Secretary of the Oyo State Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives; Directors of Cooperative Services from Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, and Oyo States; President of the International Cooperative Alliance (Africa) and 2nd Vice President of the International Cooperative Alliance (Worldwide), High Chief Tajudeen Oriyomi Ayeola; as well as traditional rulers such as the Arayin of Irayin, Oba Ladimeji Lasisi, among several others from the cooperative movement

..says upgrade is transparent, collaborative

The Oyo State Government has debunked allegations that it has replaced the car park at Bola Ige international business complex, popularly known as Gbagi Market with new shops and extorted money from unsuspecting traders, overnight.

This misleading report was published by a certain online blog and subsequently circulated on social media.

The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Hon Adeniyi Adebisi, said the claim is entirely false, mischievous, and an intentional misrepresentation of an ongoing, well-planned redevelopment project.

He said the Gbagi market redevelopment effort is being spearheaded in phases by the Oyo State Government, under the supervision of the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, in close partnership with the market leadership and representatives of zonal traders’ associations.

Mr. Adebisi said the portion of land being referred to was not an official car park but an underutilized area, prone to illegal vending and security risks.

The Commissioner said following broad consultation with stakeholders, it was approved for formal stall development to promote orderliness and improve access and safety within the market environment.

“Furthermore, No part of the main designated car park has been taken over or eliminated. The new shops are not situated in the core vehicle parking zone, he said.

“Allocations were not made secretly or overnight, but through a transparent and documented process, coordinated by the leadership of the traders and relevant Government departments.

“Standardized shop allocation fees were communicated in advance to interested traders with options to opt in or out—there is no evidence of “coerced” payments as wrongly alleged.

He reiterated that no trader will be unjustly displaced, and the project will be executed in line with the master plan agreed upon with all key market stakeholders.

Adebisi urged members of the public, particularly media outlets, to verify facts before spreading reports capable of inciting public unrest or misleading residents.

He also encouraged Market leaders and traders to channel concerns or inquiries to the Market Support Desk at the Ministry or reach out directly to the designated liaison officers.

According to him, “the general public, particularly our esteemed market stakeholders, are urged to disregard this fabrication, which is clearly being sponsored by opposition elements and detractors determined to politicize every laudable initiative of the present administration.”

Furthermore, the Chairman of the Zonal caretaker Leaders’ Bola Ige international business complex, Gbagi Ibadan, Alhaji Adetonan Morufu who featured on a radio station programme in Ibadan on Wednesday, firmly debunked the allegations and clarified the facts behind the redevelopment effort.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information and Orientation,

Oyo State.

Oyo State Government has announced its readiness to enforce ban of Sunday Trading at the Bola Ige International Business Complex, popularly known as Gbagi Market, Ibadan.

The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi stated this on Thursday, in his Office at Secretariat Ibadan.

The Commissioner explained that the ban will  curb rising insecurity and restore order at the market, adding that the enforcement will take effect from Sunday, 27th July 2025.

He hinted that the enforcement is a culmination of a series of consultations and meetings held with market leaders and stakeholders over time.

Hon. Adebisi explained that criminal elements were increasingly exploiting the less crowded Sunday environment to perpetrate unlawful activities, saying this prompted renewed engagements with the market leadership, after the Government decided to formalize the ban and put enforcement measures in place.

According to him, the ban on Sunday trading was originally instituted by the market leadership themselves, in a bid to maintain order and protect traders.

“However, some traders have continued to flout the directive, leading to a rise in insecurity concerns.”

“We cannot fold our arms and allow the hard-earned reputation of this great market to be tarnished by the activities of a few criminally-minded individuals. After a careful review and collaboration with the market leaders, we all agreed that strict enforcement of the Sunday trading ban is a necessary step towards restoring sanity and safeguarding the lives and property of our traders and customers,” he said.

To ensure compliance, the Commissioner announced that a dedicated task force will be deployed to the market every Sunday to prevent any form of trading or business activity.

He stressed that the enforcement is not a new directive but a Government-backed measure to support the market’s existing policy and protect law-abiding traders.

The Commissioner stressed further that Market leaders and stakeholders have welcomed the Government’s support and pledged their continued cooperation.

He emphasized that the safety of traders, customers, and their businesses remains paramount to this Government.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Okesade, highlighted the importance of shared responsibility between the Government and the trading community.

He assured stakeholders of the Government’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and order within the market.

“The Bola Ige International Business Complex is one of the largest and busiest textile and general merchandise markets in the Southwest region”, he said.

“Traders and members of the public are urged to take note of the Government’s enforcement action and ensure full compliance, as violators will be sanctioned in accordance with existing regulations.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Commissioner for Information and Orientation,

Oyo State.