By Esther Alexander
In a bid to encourage skills development, organizers of the Construction Artisans Awards held her 4th annual event in Abuja to recognize artisans who have done remarkably well in their field of endeavours.
With the theme: “Building Our Youths, Securing the Future”, the event focused on awarding four major construction trade categories: Masonry, Carpentry, Plumbing Installation, and Electrical Installation.
While speaking, the DG of C-STEMP construction skills training, and Convener of the Construction Artisans Award (CAA), Anthony Aboki Okwa, said the importance of skills cannot be over-emphasized, adding that the educational system needs to be reorganised to encourage more skills development in their curriculum.
“These artisans represent a host of artisans out there who strive for excellence, they are the unsung heroes that make our world functional and aesthetically pleasing.
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He also congratulated all the nominees and winners, stating that their dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence is an inspiration to all.
“I encourage you to push the boundaries of your craft, keep innovating and mentor the next generation of artisans.”
Chariman Tetfund, Arc. Sonny Echonu also added that it is important to equip young people with the right skills as this would help build the country for the better, earn a living for themselves, and help grow the economy.
“Let us stop paying lip service to the idea of equipping, and promoting our young talents with the relevant skills. We must be committed, and harness all our natural resources that we are endowed with, both material and human resources”.
In his remark, C-Stemp Board Chairman Board, Rev. Ugochukwu Chime says the event does not only represent a celebration of talent and ingenuity but also a testament of the transformative power of vocational skills especially in the construction industry.
“In a world that is constantly evolving, the importance of skills development cannot be overstated. It is the foundation upon which the future of our youth, and indeed our society as a whole, is built.
“By nurturing and harnessing the potential of our youth, we are paving the way for innovation, economic growth, and the creation of opportunities that will shape generations to come.
He urged stakeholders to be inspired by the potential that lies within the youths and commit themselves to nurturing talents, providing them with opportunities, and, most importantly believing in their ability to shape the future.
The Director General, the Federation of Construction Industry FOCI, Olubunmi Adekoje restated commitment towards artisans skill development in the country.
“We believe that together we can all contribute our quota to ensure that artisans are well skilled, and we get the best artisans to ensure the job is done at a premium, and at any time.”
Some of the awardees include Onuh Christoper who won the 1st Position in masonry Caterory, and Yakubu Patience Daniel won the best in Electrical Installation amongst others.
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