Lagos State has started a comprehensive training initiative aimed at Artisans and Craftsmen in the industry as part of strategic steps to close the skill gap in the housing industry.
On August 19, 2023, the “Master Craftsman Training Programme” skill-building programme officially began.
Its purpose is to make it possible for State citizens, particularly young people working in the construction industry, to upgrade their skills and pick up new abilities that will increase their employability.
The ultimate objective is to raise their standard of living financially.
According to Mr. Kamar Olowoshago, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing, the intense training, which will last six weeks, will be a weekend course that will be focused on important building crafts.
These include masonry (block laying and concreting), painting and decorating, plumbing and pipe-fitting, woodwork and furniture building, and electrical installation and maintenance work.
Additionally, training on related topics including customer service, information and communication technology (ICT), and health and safety will be offered.
Experts in the area will lead the training, and they will retrain participants based on the most recent business trends.
The programme is held at Ikotun in Alimosho Local Government and Ikorodu in Ikorodu Local Government, among other places. Residents who are at least 18 years old may apply.
A record of registration with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency is required for applicants.
Additionally, they must get fundamental instruction in the skills, either in technical schools or via an unofficial apprenticeship system.
On timeliness, the selection procedure will be predicated. Forms are available at the Director of Administration and Human Resources Office of the Lagos State Ministry of Housing.
Each qualified master craftsman who achieved above 70% attendance will be granted certification from a reputable professional organisation, as well as work equipment, stipends, and empowerment with cutting-edge tools of their trade.
It is suggested for participants to be ready for the training’s extensive academic and practical sessions.
However, it must be emphasised that in the unusual event that risks or dangers occur during the practical sessions, the trainees will be completely covered for the whole training duration.
In addition to other measures being taken, the state’s governor, Mr. Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has taken this endeavour to guarantee that there are more safe and quality housing available for Lagos residents.
The Sanwo-Olu government inaugurated over 22 new residences around the State, and the last four years have undoubtedly seen a flurry of activity in the sector.
Housing projects that were handed down from previous administrations were finished and put into operation in order to build on the successes of the past.
It suffices to remark that this approach prevented the unnecessary waste that would have occurred if similar housing projects had continued to be abandoned.
There were 15 budgeted allocation housing plans in this category, totaling more than 5000 homes, located around the state at varying stages of construction.
Igando, Igbogbo, Ibeshe, Odo Onosa/Ayandelu, Agbowa, Sangotedo, Egan-Igando, LASU main Campus, Iba, Ajara, and Epe are only a handful of the scheme locations.
The fact that more than 95% of these plans are now finished makes one happy.
They have evolved into habitable cities with a desirable quality of life.
The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) programmes that previously existed were also activated by Sanwo-Olu.
In creating certain housing plans, the state collaborated with more than 30 private investors.
It is essential that the private sector participate in expanding the state’s housing supply.
It aids in lowering direct governmental spending, freeing up more money to close other infrastructure gaps.
Some of these projects are situated in Lekki, Iponri, Ibeshe, Owutu, Ijora, Ipaja, and Ajegunle, as well as Idale in Badagry.
At Abraham Adesanya Estate in Ajah, more over 70% of these plans have already been delivered and completed.
Additionally, new partnerships were arranged with trustworthy partners, especially those who had cutting-edge construction technology.
19 housing plans have been constructed thanks to the Sanwo-Olu administration’s many efforts.
These include the Prince Abiodun Ogunleye Housing Estate in Igbogbo, the Courtland Luxury Villa in Igbokushu, the Lateef Kayode Jakande Estate in Igando, and the Lekki Apartments (all via the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation).
Others include LagosHOMS Lekki Phase 2 Estate in Eti-Osa Local Government Area, Babatunde Raji Fashola Estate, Iponri, and Lagos State Affordable Public Housing Scheme Idale-Badagry.
The list also includes the Lagos State Resettlement Centre, Agbowa, the Babatunde Olushola Benson Housing Estate, Ibeshe, and LagosHOMS Sangotedo Phase1 in the Eti-Osa East LCDA and LagosHOMS Odo-Onosa /Ayandelu in the Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA.
Ndubuisi Kanu Estate, Gbagada, and LagosHOMS Egan-Igando (Phase 1) are further buildings in the wing.
Also to be added in due time are other programmes in Sangotedo Phase II, LASU, Iba, Epe Housing Scheme Itamarun- Epe, and LagosHOMS Ajara- Badagry.
The Ilubirin Foreshore Housing Scheme, Ilubirin, Lagos State Housing Scheme, Ijora-Badia, Lagos State Public Housing Scheme, Ilamoye in Oshodi-Isolo LGA, and Abraham Adesanya Housing Estate, Eti-Osa LGA (Parcel A, B, C & D) are other projects that are ongoing under the Joint Venture Scheme.
The Avenue Ogudu Scheme II., Court LSDPC Ogudu Scheme II, and Ivy Suite Ilupeju Gardens at Esther Osiyemi Street Ilupeju, Sura Mogaji Terraces, Ilupeju, Keffi Suites Keffi, Ikoyi, and Love Garden Apartments, Olorogun/Allen Way, Ilupeju are additional joint venture schemes by the LSDPC.
At all work locations, more than 21,700 direct job opportunities were also created.
Unsurprisingly, the State Governor has won a number of accolades for the enormous progress his government has made in the housing industry.
He was formally acknowledged as the Federation’s Housing Governor, a distinction that many people think he really deserves.
‘Master Builder Training’ was created as a result in order to further cement the government’s successes in the industry.
As stated in the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda of the Sanwo-Olu government, the project is therefore very important to the State’s objective of providing residents with quality housing under the pillar of Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy.
This is being done to improve the skills of our craftsmen so they may participate more fully to the State’s efforts to boost the housing market.
Developers have been shown to prefer hiring craftsmen from the surrounding nations because they believe they are more skilled and exact.
The State’s efforts to further expand the housing industry have been hampered by the craftsmen’s lack of employability.
Thus, it is believed that artisan training may indirectly boost the economy on both a local and macro level.
A qualified work force is unquestionably important for the quick completion of safer residences for the populace.
In order to do this, it is anticipated that the training will aid in resolving the unsightly problem of building collapse and other catastrophes at construction sites.
Humans have a critical need for shelter.
The population of the State is expected to increase continuously, from 3.44% in 2020 to 3.63% in 2023.
Due to this, there are now insufficient suitable residences available. The poor and middle-class people are disproportionately impacted by this.
More is being done despite the government’s involvement having a big influence.
More Lagosians may now claim of having excellent housing thanks to government-subsidized houses constructed in respectable neighbourhoods.
Salako is the Director of Public Affairs for the Ministry of Housing in Alausa, Ikeja.
Read More On The Topic On TDPel Media
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn
Read Related News On TDPel Media
