By AbdulFatai Robiu, Ile-Ife
The Artisans, Peasants, and Traders Association of Nigeria (APTAN) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to promoting the welfare, safety, and health of Nigerian artisans and entrepreneurs through education, capacity building, and community-oriented initiatives.
This assurance was renewed on Sunday October 26, 2025, during the association’s 2025 Annual Seminar, held at the Oba Okunade Sijuwade Memorial Hall, Enuwa, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
Themed “Occupational Safety and Health Management for Artisans and Entrepreneurs,” the seminar brought together craftsmen, traders, religious and community leaders, as well as professionals from across Osun State and neighbouring regions.
As part of its corporate social responsibility, APTAN complemented the seminar with a free medical outreach for residents of Ile-Ife. Beneficiaries received medical consultations and routine checks, including blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, among other essential health services.
According to the organizers, the outreach aimed to instill a culture of safety and health consciousness among artisans and members of the public.
Declaring the event open, the Osun State Chairman of APTAN, Comrade Qosim Olawusi, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah and appreciated the dignitaries in attendance, including representatives of the Ooni of Ife and the Chief Imam of Ife.
“Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. I welcome everyone here today because we are all special individuals,” Olawusi said, noting that the annual gathering serves as an opportunity for reflection and self-improvement.
“This programme allows us to assess our progress each year, identify areas for growth, and make adjustments that will help us become better in our respective trades,” he added.
The well-attended event featured distinguished guests, including Ustaz Taofiq Suleiman (APTAN South-West Leader), Engineer Ibrohim Fadipe (Guest Lecturer), Alhaji [Oba] Asimiyu Elufowora (Obameto of Ife Oòyè), Oba Abdulyekeen Fakowajo (Faloona I), Alhaji Adam Adisa (Chairman of the Occasion), Sheikh Qomardeen Bello (Mufti of APTAN), Ustaz Saheed Adegoke, Alhaja Latifat Agboola, Alhaja Omisakin Sibgatullah, and Alhaja Adebayo Majeedah, among others.
In his goodwill message, Alhaji Adam Adisa emphasized the need for discipline, honesty, and moral conduct in business and professional dealings.
“Every Muslim should be a good ambassador of Islam in their trade and interactions. Our character is our identity,” he advised, urging artisans to uphold integrity and ethical standards.
Delivering the keynote address, Engineer Ibrohim Fadipe, an alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University and a member of both the Nigerian Institute of Environmental Engineers (NIEE) and the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), underscored the critical importance of safety and health management in workplaces.
Citing data from the International Labour Organization (ILO), Fadipe noted that an estimated 7,500 workers sustain injuries daily worldwide, with 6,500 deaths resulting from work-related illnesses and 1,000 fatalities from occupational accidents.
“These are not just statistics—they represent fathers, mothers, and breadwinners. Safety must be intentional, rooted in awareness, planning, and strict adherence to protocols,” he warned.
Fadipe further stressed that most workplace tragedies are preventable, adding that “safety doesn’t happen by chance; it is achieved through knowledge, discipline, and vigilance.”
The event climaxed with the presentation of Awards of Appreciation to individuals recognized for their outstanding contributions to APTAN’s growth and community development.
Honorees included Alhaji (Oba) Asimiyu Elufowora, Alhaji Morufu Akande, Director of MORAK Nigeria Enterprises, Opa, Agric, Ile-Ife, and Aare Kolawole AbdulAzeez, Managing Director of Oodua 90.9 FM, Ile-Ife.
In its closing remarks, APTAN reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the welfare of artisans and traders through continuous education, professional development, and initiatives that foster economic empowerment, safety, and community well-being
