Participants at a one day stakeholders sensitization conference on how to increase the value of artisans in driving economic growth and development have called on government and relevant stakeholders to pay adequate attention to developing the artisan sector.
The participants at the conference in Benin City observed that much has not been done to move the sector forward, despite it numerous contributions to the economic growth of a nation.
One of the participants, a keynote speaker on the occasion, Dr. Ogiemwonyi Brightence called on the Edo State government and the state board for technical and vocational Education to provide funds to artisans so that they could mass produce their products, as well as refined them.
Dr. Brightence who spoke on the topic “Addressing Development Challenges and Opportunities in the Artisan Sector” dwelt elaborately on the opportunities available to artisans, their sponsors and communities, as well.
In order to address the challenges being faced by artisans, the Chief Executive Officer, Brightence Electronics also called on government to put in place policies that would promote artisans and the products they have designed.
Another guest speaker, Mrs. Isimeme White harped on the need for artisans to acquire relevant skills that would enhance their performance, as well as make them relevant in their fields.
Speaking on the subject “Vision for Sustainable Development in the Artisan Sector”, the Founder and Chief Innovation Officer, Genius Hub encouraged participants to collaborate on areas that would be of benefits to them rather than competing with one another.
Conference not just a discussion Platform, but a Call to Action – Organisers
The organizers of the one day stakeholders conference on Artisans have maintained that the conference was not just a discussion platform but a call to action.
In a welcome address, the Functioning Head, Edo State Board for Technical and Business Education, Mrs. Mercy Imasuen Isibor listed challenges confronting artisan sector to include a mismatch between the skills artisans possess and what is required and difficulty in accessing larger markets to showcase their products and services.
She expressed the believe that through training and capacity-building initiatives, policy recommendations and networking platforms, one can unlock the full potential of artisans, as well as enhance capabilities and opportunities for them in Edo State.
On his part, the president, Artisans Development and Networking Organization, ARDENET ORG, Mr. Ugiagbe Osamuyimen observed that organizing the stakeholders conference is a big deal for artisans development and networking in Edo State.
He expressed believe that the convening of the conference would promote synergies among government, the skill artisans, religious leaders, Industrialists and other groups present on the occasion in the bid to make life better for all; both rich and poor.
Mr. Osamuyimen further stated that a bigger meeting of artisans would come up early next year as a follow up to the event.
Activists, Religious Leaders, Industrialists, Others, Harp on Importance of Artisans
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Mrs. Georgina Erefeta of Igbinedion University observed that the conference was very timely.
“The global focus now is on entrepreneurship, bringing your practical skills to bare,” she stated.
Prof. Erefeta emphasized the need for artisans in Edo State to integrate digital skills with their practical skills.
According to her, such step would make them deliver on time in their jobs, expand their businesses, as well as make more profits.
On his part, the Chief Imam of Benin Central Mosque, Alhaji Abdulfatai Enabulele decried the emphasis on theoretical education.
He maintained that acquiring practical skills was more beneficial and called on government and other stakeholders to contribute more to the uplift of artisans.
A microfinance expert, and Executive Director, Oseno Centre for Challenged Children, Mrs Sabina Idowu Osehobo observed that the informal sector contributes more to the Gross Domestic product of any country.
“That is where we have the bulk of the people in the economy and they do a lot of works that contributes almost eighty percent to our GDP. So it is a very important sector. And over time the sector has not been harnessed as it should be harnessed“.
“What we are seeing here today shows steps towards harnessing and making good use of the power in the artisan sector,” she added.
The one day stakeholders conference was put together by ARDENT ORG in collaboration with the Edo State Board for Technical and Business Education.
