In recognition of the vital, indispensable, and often overlooked role artisans play in the socioeconomic development of the society, award-winning photographer, William Ukoh, embarked on a tour of the city of Lagos capturing the realities of the average artisan, in their elements.

“Craft is always something that intrigues me. The ability to create, and in turn, improve the lives of those around you is a true gift,” Ukoh told Ventures Africa.

Artisans make up a significant percent of Nigeria’s working population. These often independent vocational and technical skilled individuals form a brimming pool of entrepreneurs contributing to one of the largest and fastest growing sectors in the world. With an estimated $34 billion global annual value, the artisan sector or artisan economy is one of the largest employers in many developing countries like Nigeria and most emerging economies around the world.

Given the current economic crisis in Nigeria, which has been accompanied by massive retrenchments across several mainstream industries, it is safe to say that the average artisan is winning (sort of) in this recession. Being an artisan is one of the most dependable means of earning a regular income. While the job of a salary earner is not secured, the person with a “handiwork” is certain of his/her little return as long as people continue to require quality products and services.

Shot in Amuwo-Odofin, in the coastal town of Badagry, Lagos, the visual narrative of Ukoh’s photographs explores and offers insight into the lives of these individuals who take pride in their work, and how they engage with the materials that have become an integral part of their lives as a tool for income generation. Ukoh hopes that the context of the space within which the photos were captured will inform more thought.