Ondo artisans beg FG for inclusion in empowerment programmes

Artisans and skilled workers in Ondo State are urging the Federal Government to integrate them into various empowerment initiatives under President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. The Artisan Defender and Empowerment Foundation, representing over 25,000 members, stated they have been overlooked despite their significant support for the President's re-election.

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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 foundation, registered with the Federal Government, aims to champion the interests of artisans and skilled workers, particularly in the Niger Delta region. They are seeking government assistance through empowerment programs, skills development, vocational training, and greater recognition of their collective political influence. The group highlighted the deteriorating welfare conditions for artisans in Ondo State.

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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.

They are appealing to key government agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, the Directorate of the Office of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), and the Presidential Amnesty Programme. The foundation argues that neglecting this vital sector, which contributes to employment and economic growth, could create discord and diminish support for the administration.

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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 has submitted proposals to these agencies and issued a public warning. They state that if their demands are not met promptly, they will organize national protests. This action, they caution, could have significant political consequences for the continuation of President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda in the 2027 elections.

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