Ondo craftsmen plead with federal government for participation in initiatives aimed at boosting their economic prospects

n n

Artisans and skilled workers in Ondo State have appealed to the Federal Government to include them in various empowerment programmes under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

n

The artisans, under the aegis of the Artisan Defender and Empowerment Foundation, said over 25,000 members of the group had been neglected despite their support for the re-election of the President.

n

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman and General Secretary of the association, Engr. Ogundipe James and Adebayo Olugbenga, respectively.

n

According to the statement, the group was founded and registered with the Federal Government to promote the interests of Niger Delta artisans and skilled workers, adding that its members needed government support through empowerment initiatives.

n

The statement read, “It was evident, the neglect of the welfare and empowerment of over 25,000 artisans that this organisation controls, for which we are advocating better welfare, skills and vocational training, empowerment, workshops and recognition of political strength and weight the coalition commands in the voting structure.

n

“The deteriorating situation of artisan welfare, particularly in Ondo State, is why the body is seeking immediate attention, mostly empowerment and skills upgrading from the primary concerned government agencies—the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, Directorate of the Office of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, Presidential Amnesty Programme, among others.

n

“The neglect of this very important organisation, which plays a vital role in employment and the growth of the national economy, will cause disagreement and affect political support that comes from this coalition group.”

n

The statement urged the concerned Federal Government agencies to consider the proposals earlier submitted by the group to enhance the support of its members for the President’s administration.

n

The group stated, “We call on the agencies mentioned above, demanding immediate attention to the proposals that have earlier been sent to this parastatal.

n

“This is a public warning and general awareness that failure to listen to Niger Delta Artisan Forum’s demands will lead to a national protest and have huge political support consequences for the continuation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come the 2027 election, if attention is not immediately given to the demands.”

n n