By Akeem Abas
Ibadan – Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Thursday in Ibadan inaugurated bio-metric data capturing and identification card project for artisans and tradesmen.
The governor expressed optimism that the project would bring greater development to the economy of the state and boost activities of the artisans and tradesmen.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tradesmen and Artisans Association of Nigeria, Oyo State chapter has 45 members associations.
Ajimobi said that the project, when completed would be of great benefit to government, the public, artisans and tradesmen.
The governor explained that data captured would assist government in its tax net and plans for artisans and tradesmen.
“This exercise will assist government in getting accurate data of artisans and tradesmen.
“It will allow for the creation of directory for easy accessibility to the public across the world.
“The registration confirms element of authenticity on the artisans and tradesmen, their work and allow them enjoy patronage from government, likewise other customers across the world,” he said.
Ajimobi urged the artisans and tradesmen, who are beneficiaries of the government’s N50 million revolving loan to ensure prompt repayment for other members to benefit.
The governor assured them of government’s support and commended them for their unalloyed support for government’s programmes.
Earlier, Princess Taibat Adeyemi-Agaba, the Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives said that the exercise was borne out of the need to have a unified identification for artisan and tradesmen.
She said that the exercise would enhance socio-economic development of the state on completion.
“This exercise will help in having a unified identification of artisans and tradesmen produce accurate data base, yellow pages for jobs and build local content by encouraging members on their area of specialty,” she said.
Alhaji Hamzat Kolayode, the President, Oyo State Tradesmen and Artisan Association of Nigeria thanked the governor for his unflinching support to the group.
Kolayode described the exercise as the `first of its kind’ in the state, adding that the data capturing would flush out bad eggs from the association.
He said that a proper data of the association would help government in planning for future development.
NAN reports that the event featured the demonstration of the biometric data capturing by a representative of Forsterfield Investment Ltd., Mr Demola Daniels.