The Artisan Defender and Empowerment Foundation has called on the Federal Government to ensure artisans and skilled workers in Ondo State are not left out of empowerment initiatives being implemented under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The association claimed that over 25,000 of its members have not benefited from any federal empowerment scheme, despite their support for the President’s political ambition.
The appeal was made in a statement jointly signed by the group’s Chairman, Engr. Ogundipe James, and General Secretary, Adebayo Olugbenga.
The foundation explained that it was established to protect the interests of artisans and skilled workers across the Niger Delta, stressing that members require government intervention through empowerment programmes, vocational training and other capacity-building initiatives.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
The group urged the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, the Office of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, SMEDAN, the Presidential Amnesty Programme and other relevant agencies to give urgent consideration to the requests it had previously submitted.
It maintained that responding to the proposals would improve the welfare of artisans while reinforcing support for the current administration.
The association also cautioned that ignoring its demands could result in nationwide demonstrations and political backlash ahead of the 2027 general election.
“We call on the agencies mentioned above, demanding immediate attention to the proposals that have earlier been sent to this parastatal.
“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.”
