Artisans and technicians from different parts of the country, under the aegis of Association of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT), have called for more patronage of local products, especially those produced small and medium-scale businesses at the grassroots, in order to boost the Nigerian economy, especially
National Coordinator of ASNAT, Adeshina Akinyemi, who made the appeal today (Sunday, September 15) at a press conference to unveil the Nigerian Artisans and Technicians Exhibitions and Fair (NATEF, Abuja 2024), holding from Monday, September 30 to Wednesday, October 2, at the Velodrome of Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, appealed to all State Governors for support through partnership by sponsoring at least 100 artisans and technicians from their various states to NATEF, Abuja 2024.
According to him, such participation and showcasing their states’ heritages and cultural diversity through exhibitions and displays, will bring national and international attention to the skills, services, products, crafts and talents available in Nigeria at the grassroots, thereby boosting patronage of local products and, by extension, the economy.
Akinyemi also appealed to the National Assembly through the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, to urge and persuade members of the upper and lower chambers of the National Assembly to sponsor at least 50 and 30 artisans and technicians, respectively, from their various senatorial districts and federal constituencies, to NATEF, Abuja 2024.
He assured that ASNAT is open to partnership and sponsorship by individuals, corporate organisations, international agencies, governmental and non-governmental organisations and agencies that are willing to work with artisans and technicians on the forthcoming exhibition and trade fair, noting that support from the public and private sectors will foster economic growth within different communities thereby helping to sustain local jobs.
