Artisans in Ondo State under the umbrella of United Artisans have unanimously declared total support for the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC ) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
They made the declaration at the 2023 Artisans’ Day celebration held at the International Culture and Events Centre, (The Dome) Akure on Tuesday.
The Artisans, led by their President General,
Mr. Daisi Komolafe, promised to deliver over 80 per cent votes for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and all other APC candidates come Saturday’s General Election.
Komolafe described the Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu led administration in the state as most friendly.
He noted that the Akeredolu led government has been making life comfortable for members of the group through the various supports and opportunities that have improved incomes and productivity.
Addressing the Artisans, Governor Akeredolu called on the people in the State to vote wisely and conduct themselves within the ambits of the law.
The Governor, who harped on continuity of the APC administration at the centre, enjoined the people to vote Tinubu, assuring that their efforts will not go in vain.
He promised that the APC Presidential candidate will promote good governance and alleviate the suffering of the masses in the country.
Governor Akeredolu appreciated Artisans in the State for their unflinching cooperation and support for his administration since inception. He charged them to sustain it by voting massively for APC in this Saturday’s elections.
The Governor assured that his administration will continue to invest in infrastructure and harness windows of financial opportunities for the growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the State.
He said:”For the State to grow into a fairly industrialised entity, the need for the active participation of the various artisan groups cannot be overemphasised. There is no gainsaying the fact that various artisanship skills play significant roles in productivity.
“It is obvious that artisanship in Ondo State is growing at a remarkable rate, due to strategic support of our administration in harnessing the potential of the teeming youths through entrepreneurial development and training in various vocational skills. It will be recalled that the Ahmed Bola Tinubu Skill Acquisition Centre, Ile-Oluji, which is equipped with modern technology, was established for this purpose.
” It is heartening to state that the Centre has catalysed Human Capital Development in the State. This is one of the initiatives that led to the creation of Ondo State Entrepreneurship Agency (ONDEA) to tackle the challenges being faced by our entrepreneurs as well as Micro and Macro businesses in the State.
“Let me use this opportunity to express our appreciation to artisans in the State for their support and cooperation with the State Government. You have indeed been a reliable partner. Your support and commitment in the payment of your taxes and levies is very much appreciated. The support given to our administration is a demonstration of your agreement to work with government.
” Let me assure you that your efforts will not go in vain. The N-CARES Programme from which many of you have benefitted under our administration as well as other windows of funding have been made possible as a result of the cooperation of various stakeholders on artisanship development.
“We have continued to have the belief that our plans and projections should showcase our actions and accomplishments. To this end, I want to assure you that our administration will continue to attract entrepreneurial and empowerment opportunities from within and outside the State towards artisanship development.
“As you join other patriotic Nigerians to exercise your franchise on 25th February and 11th March, 2023, to decide the fortune of this country for the next four years, I enjoin you to vote wisely and conduct yourselves within the ambits of the law. I need not delve into the utmost desirability for continuity in administration. Let me assure you that we shall not disappoint you in all that we do for the good of the mass of our people”, the Governor stressed..
Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperative Services, Akinwumi Sowore, commended Governor Akeredolu for recognizing the vital roles of artisans in the overall development of the state.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu; Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Mr Dare Aragbaiye; the Chief Imam of Akure Kingdom, Alhaji Yayi Akorede; State Chairman of APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Entrepreneurship Development, Summy-Smart Francis appreciated Governor Akeredolu for his unwavering support given to artisans in the state.
Engr. Adetimehin, who described Governor Akeredolu as a lover of the people of the state, further solicited more support for the Governor to enable him do more for the State.
He used the opportunity to enjoin the artisans to vote overwhelmingly for the Presidential Candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all other candidates of the party in the Saturday’s general elections.
The APC Chairman said Tinubu will bring peace, progress and development to the country, adding that he has the capacity and competence to turn around the country.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; members of the State Executive Council led by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu; Traditional rulers including the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye; Chief Imam of Akure, Alhaji AbdulHakeem Akorede; among other dignitaries.
