Ondo Artisans Urge FG for Empowerment Inclusion

Artisans and skilled workers in Ondo State, organized under the Artisan Defender and Empowerment Foundation, have appealed to the Federal Government for inclusion in empowerment programs associated with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The group, which consists of over 25,000 members, expressed feelings of neglect despite their support for the President's re-election.

In a statement released on Friday by Chairman Engr. Ogundipe James and General Secretary Adebayo Olugbenga, they emphasized the need for government support through various initiatives, including skills training and workshops. They highlighted the deteriorating welfare of artisans in Ondo State and urged immediate attention from relevant government agencies such as the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria.

The group warned that failure to address their demands could lead to a national protest and impact political support for the President's administration in the upcoming 2027 elections.