– CHAMS/ SMARTCITY/BACSAAN – Forging Strategic Alignment to digitalise Nigerian artisan economy
– We see artisans as the backbone of the Nigerian economy, and technology is the bridge that can elevate their work to global standards” – CHAMS/SMARTCITY/IDENTICO
(General Manager of IDENTICO. Damola Adekola, explaining activities of CHAMS, SMARTCITY and IDENTICO to visiting BACSAAN National President, Haj Fasasi Mohammed Jamiu and BACSAAN Southwest Coordinator, Isiaq Osolake in Lagos on Friday)
By Biola Lawal
Lagos (Flowerbudnews): The Leaderships of CHAMS Consortium and the Builders, Construction and Skilled Artisans Association of Nigeria (BACSAAN) have intensified discussions on modalities for collaboration to boost economic well-being of Nigerian artisans.
FLOWERBUDNEWS reports that a Strategic Partnership meeting, which was Chaired by the Chairman, CHAMS/Smartcity, Sir Dr Demola Aladekomo was held with BACSAAN national leaders led by the association’s President, Haj Fasasi Muhammad Jamiu at the Ikoyi, Lagos Headquarters of Chams consortium.
The BACSAAN Delegation included National Director of Operations, Haj Isiaq Robiu, National Director of Communication, Strategy and Media, Hon. Biola Lawal and Haj Isiaq Osolake, Southwest Coordinator and Secretary, National Working Committee (NEC)
Addressing the,meeting, Sir Aladekomo emphasised the pressing need to utilise CHAMS’ IDENTICO, BLUWOX ans BACSAAN to build a trusted Nigerian Digital Identity and Artisan Enablement platform with global reach.
Speaking further in a compassionate tone, Sir, Aladekomo acknowledged the importance of artisans to national economic growth and wellbeing, but stressed the need to build recognition and respect for the Nigerian artisans as a base for planned digitilised artisan economic empowerment.
”There are lot of issues with artisans, no training, no certification and nobody is employing them,” Sir Aladekomo stated, adding; ” what BACSAAN should do for recognition is to present yourself responsibly.”
”Let your people become respected locally, it is a problem of distrust, indiscipline, Sir Aladekomo counseled the BACSAAN leaders, disclosing that a lot of artisans’ are languishing in prisons due to lack of respectable and recognised identity.
The CHAMS/SMARTCITY Chairman stressed that the target of the partnership with BACSAAN is to first build credibility and recognition before an artisan could carry BACSAAN – BLUWOX Certification
He acknowledged that artisans were bedrock of the economy and assured that his conglomerate of CHAMS, SMARTCITY, IDENTICO, CHAMOMILE -KEGOW Wallets, WESLEY MFB were ready to assist BACSAAN members develop, modernise and digitilise their capabilities and operations.
Responding, BACSAAN National President, Haj Fasasi expressed appreciation to Sir Aladekomo and his management team for their concern for the welfare of Nigerian artisans.
Fasasi disclosed that BACSAAN efforts to achieve recognition, respect and economic upliftment for Nigerian artisans had been very tough, and had been on for the past over 15 years.
He described Sir Aladekomo’s interest in assisting artisans as GOD sent, assuring that the help. exposure and modern trends being unfolded to boost the capacity, operations and status of Nigerian artisans were greatly appreciated.
Fasasi disclosed that BACSAAN potential members have been estimated at about 25 million from a national artisan survey conducted by BACSAAN in 2015, covering the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
FLOWERBUDNEWS reports that BACSAAN members include Masons. Vulcanisers, POP Makers, Carpenters, Mechanics, Tilers, Tailors, Hairdressers, Shoemakers, Furniture Makers, Welders, Painters, Furnacers Butchers and Cosmetologists.
Others are Aluminum Fabricators, Automobile Electricians, Knitters, Building Electricians, Plumbers Solar Fitters, Borehole Drillers, Barbers. Sculptors, Farmers and Air Conditioners Repairers etc.
About Flowerbudnews
Established by Hon. Biola Lawal, a former Acting Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), FLOWERBUDNEWS is a consortium of active veteran journalists, experienced Multimedia broadcast experts and image makers.
We are drawn from both public and private sectors of Nigeria’s media Industry with a common determination to enhance the practice of responsible journalism..
Lawal, on his part, is also a former Honourable Commissioner for Information,Youth, Sports and Culture of Osun state, his home state.
Biola Lawal had also successfully served two tenures as Press Secretary to the ECOMOG Force Commander in Liberia during the Liberian and Sierra Leone Civil wars. He was an outstanding NAN Defence and War Correspondent for many years.
The retired NAN Acting Boss holds the honour of being the only journalist that served two terms on the ECOMOG international assignment due to his high professionalism and decency.
He is a Co-Author of the book; ECOMOG, A BOLD ATTEMPT AT REGIONAL PEACEKEEPING! Edited Mrs Magaret Voght. The book remains the most. factual, detailed and authentic book on the ECOWAS sponsored ECOMOG Military operation.
