The Rivers state Ministry of Youth Development has described the artisans sector as a key driver for the socio economic development of the state.
Permanent secretary Rivers state Ministry of Youth Development Mrs Ruhuoma Chinedu Kejeh said this in an address at leadership challenge foundation 2025 conference and Exhibition organized by The leadership challenge foundation in Port Harcourt.
Kejeh said the event was inline with the ministry’s vision of empowering the youth through skills, innovation and enterprise.
The permanent secretary who was represented by the Head of Department,Enterprise Development and Business Promotion, Mrs Abibo Bessy urged participants at the seminar to seize the opportunity to learn, innovate and lead with integrity.
Also speaking a cleric, pastor Ugochukwu Unachukwu regretted that 65 years after independence, Nigeria is yet to officially certified her artisans
He however praised the Lagos state government for doing something in that direction.
The cleric further urged Artisans to embark on self education and international training with the view to getting exposure
While urging them not to let their family heritage die, Unachukwu further stressed the need for them to be distinctive, find out what their passions are, and focus on quality and creativity
The cleric described the theme of the conference which was “Local Hands, Global Impact” as very apt , stressing that for Artisans to succeed, there is need to focus on quality, producing unique and distinctive products.
In an address, The Executive Director Leadership Challenge foundation Mrs Joy Success Ikpe said the foundation is a non governmental organization committed to bridging the gap in soft skills development and vocational education among young people in Nigeria and beyond
Ikpe said the focus of the foundation remains the reorientation and transformation of artisans and entrepreneurs, equipping themselves, leading others and build sustainable businesses.
She said guided by the 8th and 9th sustainable development goals, the foundation has continued to partner with governments , development agencies and private organizations to achieve inclusive economic growth and social impact from informal sector workers
“Since inception LCF has consistently championed the empowerment of artisans and informal sector workers
“Individuals who local hands truly create global impact ” she said
Ikpe said said it is the vision of the foundation to be a leading organization in the bridging of skill gaps in vocational education, adding that the group has continued to navigate challenges, especially around sustainable funding, operational infrastructure and media visibility
Meanwhile, Chairman of the occasion, Dr Patrick Ituma has called for the involvement and engagement with the iocs for the development and sustenance of the artisans.
