…as Delta governor pledges more support for artisans
More than 10,000 registered members of the Informal Sector in Delta State have declared their support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in 2027.
The endorsement came from a coalition of various trade groups, including the market women association, hairdressers, tilers, butchers, aluminium roofers, national masons, caterers, DJs, Event Planners, motor technicians, bricklayers, shoemakers, welders, solar installers, and several others across the informal economy.
Speaking on behalf of the groups, the chairman, Chief Ifeanyi Abanom, expressed their unwavering support for the continuation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda beyond 2027.
He noted that the decision to endorse both leaders stemmed from their commitment to policies and programmes that promote economic empowerment and grassroots development.
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, on 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 by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, “artisans are not just service providers, they are the creators, innovators and problem solvers.
The Governor stated: “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 recognise, 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 organise, strengthen and professionalise 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 had 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.
“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.”
Oborevwori noted that his administration would 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.
He called on Deltans to patronise the local artisans, support their businesses and celebrate their work to build a value chain that retains wealth within the communities.
The immediate past Governor of Delta State, Dr. 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 get to the right people. Encouraging the artisan will do us a lot better.”
