By Nosakhare Agbonigiarhuoyi
The Edo State Board for Technical and Vocational Education (BTVE), on Wednesday, 18th December, 2024, held a one-day stakeholders sensitization conference in partnership with the Artisan Development & Networking Organisation (ARDENET ORG), at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) in Benin City.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Mercy Imasuen Isibor, stated that the artisans’ sector plays a significant role in the State and the Nation’s economies.
She said, “From construction, fashion design, and mechanics to carpentry and other trades, artisans are the backbone of economic productivity and infrastructure development.
“The ultimate aim of today’s conference is to chart practical pathways that will improve the quality of services being delivered by artisans and empower them to contribute even more meaningfully to Edo State’s economic development.”
Mrs. Isibor outlined the challenges facing the sector, to include skills gap and difficulty in accessing opportunities, which according to her, threatens its sustainability and growth.
Proffering solutions to identified challenges, she asserted, “We believe that through sustainable collaboration, we can bridge the skills gap by strengthening training and capacity-building initiatives; increasing the value of the artisans within the economic development space, to enhance their earning capacity.”
The President of ARDENET ORG, Comrade (Engr.) Ugiagbe Osamuyime, intimated participants that the Organization will be organizing the Skilled Artisans Mega Summit next year.
He said, “As we conclude today’s discussions, it is crucial that we translate our shared insights and recommendations into concrete actions. Together, we can ensure that today’s deliberations lead to sustainable improvements in the artisan sector and tangible economic growth in Edo State and we want to do this with you because collaboration makes the impossible, possible.”
Keynote speakers for the occasion include the Founder and Chief Innovation Officer, Genius Hub, Isimeme Whyte; and the Chief Executive Officer, Brightence Electronics Company Ltd., Dr. Ogiemwonyi Brightence, Snr. JP.
