The Lagos State Council of Tradesmen, And Artisans (LASCOTA), Agboyi-Ketu Zone on Thursday October 31, held 2024 LASCOTA Day/Graduation and awards giving ceremony.
The ceremony held at the Mobile Police Barracks Playing Field in Agboyi Ketu Local Council Development Area, saw graduates from various fields such as fashion design, barbing, catering, photograph, video editing, baking amongst others being awarded certificates.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of LASCOTA Agboyi-Ketu Zone, Comrade Adeniyi Akintola said, “today, we are excited presenting certificates to students, who have passed through the tutelage of captains of various fields as part of our mission to impact the lives of the less privileged in Agboyi-Ketu area.”
Comrade Akintola further said that this was done to reduce the number of street urchins and jobless persons in society.
The number one LASCOTA man in the area stressed that they were specific and deliberate to embark on the project of training any youth, who cares to surrender himself or herself to be part of the gesture free of charge to positively impact their lives and better their lots.
He said that the body believes in teaching youths how to fish rather than giving them fish or begging.
The life changing project, according to the LASCOTA Chairman, is capital intensive, but he expressed optimism with the support the organisation gets from the people of the LCDA, saying that this would keep the programme going.
The Chairman also launched the co-operative thrift society of the body and revealed the intention of Ketu LASCOTA to acquire 50 acres of land in Ikorodu area of Lagos, which he said would create more opportunities for its members.
The Chief host, and Chairman of Agboyi Ketu LCDA, Major Dele Oshinowo who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Folake Kayode, affirmed his continuous support for the project.
The Vice Chairman equally stated that the council would not relent in its efforts of rendering help to LASCOTA on the project.
Also speaking, one of the special guests of honour at the event and member, representing Kosofe Constituency 2 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Obafemi Saheed, expressed delight with LASCOTA, on the project.
“Nigeria is where it is today because of the neglect of hand work. Most of our fathers were running after oil instead of getting young ones engaged in hand work.
“What is being done here today is worthy of emulation. Honestly, if other zones could emulate you and groom young people with such training, Nigeria’s problem would be reduced,” he said.
The lawmaker specially greeted experts, who left their works to train the graduands, and prayed that they would be successful in their crafts.
He emphasised that the experts, who trained them have blessed them with the training.
Hon. Saheed wished that young people would be educated and have sound hand work, adding that they would be able to boast among their peers and say that they are educated and have good crafts.
He noted that such children would not be found in unpleasant places.
The lawmaker then urged the graduands not to relent on furthering their education, and acquire school leaving certificates or higher institution certificates.
He said that by furthering their education, they would be up to date with trends, most especially on the social media, which he said could be used to showcase their products and sell to people.
The lawmaker commended the Chairman of Ketu Zone of LACOSTA and other individuals that made the project and ceremony possible.
The event featured presentation of awards to Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, representing Kosofe in the House of Representatives, Hon. Obafemi Saheed, among others.
Royal fathers of the day included Olu of Agboyi Ketu, HRM (Engr) Monsuru Abimbola Oladega, other traditional rulers and ‘baales’ (local chiefs).