Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme (right), representing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori receiving a portrait of the Governor from the State Chairman and Senior Special Assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Informal Sector Management, Chief Ifeanyi Abanum during the Inauguration of 61 Coordinators and Celebration of Artisan Day in Delta State, held at the Cenotaph, Asaba on Thursday. Pix Bripin Enarusai
Over 10,000 registered members of the Informal Sector (Artisans and Market Women Association) in Delta State, Thursday, threw their weight behind the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in 2027.
The groups include Market Women Association, Hairdressers, Tilers, Butchers, Aluminium Roofers and fabrication of Nigeria, National Masons, DeeJays, Catering Services, Event Planners, Aluminium Fabricators, Motor Technicians, Bricklayers, Shoe Makers, Welders, Motors Spare Parts dealers, Solar Dealers and Installers, Radio and TV Repairers, Interior and Exterior decorators, Vulcanizers, Furniture and Upholstery makers, DSTV Installers , Tailoring and Fashion Designing Associations.
Others are, Interlocking, Paint Production and Painters, Bakers, Sachet and Bottle Water, Laundry, Video and Photographers’, Poultry Farmers, Fishery farming, Chairs-Table and Canopy Rentals Associations.
In his remarks, chairman of the body, Chief Ifeanyi Abanom, pledged unalloyed loyalty to the continuity of the ‘Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda’ beyond 2027.
He said, “we use the Artisans Day Celebration to endorse President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for 2027.”
The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, at the occasion, said that artisans are the heartbeat of communities and the fulcrum of Nigeria’s economic future.
According to the Governor who was represented at the occasion by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, “artisans are not just service providers, they are the creators, innovators and problem servers.
“Artisans represent the heartbeat of our communities and the fulcrum of our economic future. Today is more than a ceremonial occasion, it is a bold affirmation of our collective resolve to recognize, empower and elevate the informal sector, which remains the silent engine of our state’s economic development.
“This Artisanship Day Celebration, coupled with the inauguration of twenty-five local government coordinators and thirty-six state trade unions, is a major milestone in the quest to organize, strengthen and professionalize our artisans.
“From tailors and welders to barbers, hairdressers, mechanics and carpenters, among others, you are the hands that build our homes, fix our tools, style our appearances and craft the things we use every day.
“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 revitalization 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.
“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 patronize 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, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, emphasized 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 are through structured process will definitely get to the right people. Encouraging the artisan will do us a lot better.”
