The Lagos State Government has invited artists to cultivate a safety culture in their work and take a proactive approach to safety.
At the Nigerian Artisans and Technicians Conference (NATCO) 2024 opening ceremony in Lagos, Lanre Mojola, the Director General of the Lagos Safety Commission, issued this call to action.
“Innovation! Innovation! Innovation!!! Innovation!!!” was the theme. Key to Sustainability in the New Economic Reality, the conference, which was held on Tuesday, emphasized the value of cooperation across different levels of government and the organization’s noteworthy contributions to a number of industries, including commerce, construction, fashion, and automotive.
Mojola emphasized the critical need for a safety-first culture: “Our primary mission at the Safety Commission is to protect lives by preventing accidents that can lead to injuries or fatalities.”
The speaker cited data from the International Labour Organization (ILO), which projects that 395 million accidents occur worldwide annually, with about three million of those accidents ending in fatalities.
He claimed that this data highlights the continued difficulties in ensuring the health and safety of workers around the globe.
Mojola urged participants to be proactive in maintaining their well-being by getting insurance, wearing personal protection equipment (PPE) when working in hazardous conditions, and making routine health examinations a priority.
“Active involvement in safety and a dedication to leadership are crucial. “We need to foster a mindset of ‘See it, Speak it, Sort it,'” he continued.
In addition to thanking NATCO for taking the initiative to organize the annual conference and expressing the government’s continued support, Mojola delivered PPE donations on behalf of the Lagos State Government during the occasion.
Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, thanked the association for its persistent efforts, particularly regarding the fourth iteration of the conference.
Speaking on behalf of Mrs. Popoola Esther Abimbola, she assured delegates that the federal government will continue to be receptive to their needs and acknowledged the critical role that NATCO plays in encouraging innovation and involving youngsters in a variety of areas.
NATCO 2024’s convener, Dayo Bello, emphasized the goal of the conference: to close the gap that exists between the corporate sector state and federal governments, and the unorganized craftsmen and technicians.
He outlined his vision for NATCO, which included providing chances for craftsmen to exhibit their one-of-a-kind creations and assisting in reviving interest in regional goods and services.
“NATCO’s objective is to uphold our cultural legacy and foster our diverse society,” he said in closing, reaffirming the conference’s dedication to advancing economic expansion and sustainability in Nigeria.
