Tinubu, Oborevwori supporting our businesses – Delta artisans

Ifeanyi Abanum, chairman, Delta State Association of Artisans, says the reason members of the association overwhelmingly endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for a second term is the strong support the informal sector receives from the current administration in the state and country.

“They have boosted our businesses by giving us financial support and grants. We believe that more businesses would benefit and the nation’s economy stronger in their second term, said Abanum, who doubles as Senior Special Assistant, Delta Informal Sector Management.

He made the disclosure, Thursday, shortly after the Artisans Day Celebration/inauguration of 25 LGA Coordinators and 36 trade unions at the Cenotaph, Asaba, Delta State,

The members made up of Artisans and Market Women Associations in the state include market women, Hairdressers, Tilers, Butchers, Aluminium Roofers and Fabrication of Nigeria, National Masons, Dee Jays, Catering Services, Event Planners, Aluminium Fabrication, Motor Technicians, Bricklayers, Shoe Makers, Welding and Fabrication, Motor Spare Parts, Solar Dealers and Installation, Radio and Television Repairers, Interior and Exterior, Vulcanizers, Furniture and Upholstery, DSTV Installation, Tailoring and Fashion Designing Associations.

Others are Interlockers, Paint Production and Painters, Bakers, Sachet and Bottle Water Dealers, Laundry men and women, Video and Photographers, Poultry Farmers, Fish Farmers, Chairs-Table and Canopy Rentals Associations.

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Abanum,.in his address at the occasion, said they would continue to support the continuity of the Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda beyond 2027.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, in his speech at the occasion, described the artisans as the heartbeat of communities and the fulcrum of Nigeria’s economic future.

Oborevwori, who was represented by his deputy, Monday Onyeme, said artisans are not just service providers, but they are the creators, innovators and problem solvers.

“Today is more than a ceremonial occasion. It is a bold affirmation of our collective resolve to recognise, empower and elevate the informal sector, which remains the silent engine of our state’s economic development.

The Artisanship Day Celebration, coupled with the inauguration of 25 LGAs Coordinators and 36 state trade unions, is a major milestone in the quest to organise, strengthen and professionalise our artisans.

“Artisans are the hands that build our homes, fix our tools, style our appearances and craft the things we use everyday

“Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, my administration has placed artisanship at the very heart of our M.O.R.E. Agenda; we understand that empowering artisans is not just about supporting individual livelihoods, it is about nurturing a productive economy rooted in local talent and enterprise.”

Governor Oborevwori listed some ways that his administration has advanced artisanship to include revitalisation of vocational training programmes, provision of new platforms for artisans to access modern skills, microfinance and market opportunities, asserting, “thousands of artisans are now equipped to grow from small-scale operators to full-fledged business owners.

“To the newly inaugurated Local Government Coordinators and Trade Union Leaders, you have been chosen to lead, represent and inspire.

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“Yours is a critical responsibility, to serve as the vital link between government and artisans, ensuring that policies, programmes and resources reach every community and workshop.

“I charge you to build solidarity across trades to promote innovation, mentorship and collaboration; facilitate training programmes to keep our artisans globally competitive.”

Governor Oborevwori noted that his administration will continue to support artisans with enabling policies, targeted funding and capacity-building programmes, adding that the vision is to turn the informal sector into a thriving, well-structured economic power base.

The Governor called on Deltans to patronise the local artisans, support their businesses and celebrate their work in order to build a value chain that retains wealth within the communities.

The immediate past Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, emphasised the importance of artisans to the economy of the nation.

Okowa urged the government to continue to support artisans in the state, stating, “empowerment that is through a structured process will definitely get to the right people. Encouraging the artisan will do us a lot better, he asserted.