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 other 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 the numerous contributions of the sector 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 board of 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 encourage the sales of the 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.
*Activists, Religious Leaders, Industrialists, Others Emphasis Importance of the Artisan Sector*
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 effort would make them to deliver on time in their responsibilities, expand their businesses, as well as make more profits.
On his part, the Chief Imam of Benin Central Mosque, Alhaji Abdulfata Enabulele decried the emphasis on theoretical education.
He maintained that having practical knowledge of one’s job is the best way to go and called on government and other stakeholders to contribute more to the uplift of artisans.
A microfinance expert, and the 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 o our GDP. So it is a very important sector. And over time the sector has not been harnessed as it could be harnessed”.
“What we are seeing here today shows steps towards harnessing and making good use of the power in that sector,” she added.
