Artisan Relocation: Delta State’s Move to Boost Economic Development”

Way before the industrial revolution and oil boom in African, artisans were responsible for creating jobs and exporting earnings. The sector has been self-sufficient for years and has played a huge role in keeping the middle and lower echelons of the economy together from time immemorial.

To further match it’s words with actions, the Delta State government, through the office of the Chairman, Taskforce Committee for the implementation and Enforcement of registration process for migrants, labourers and scavengers, on Thursday, April 25th, organized an interactive session with the menial job workers otherwise known as artisans within Asaba the Delta State capital, so that both parties will be on the same page while capturing and profiling is ongoing.

Address the Artisans who are known in the local palance as kpomkpom workers, the state governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oboriworie, represented by Sen Agwarido urged them to continue to support the state government in his efforts of making the state conducive for businesses to thrive.

On his part, the state Taskforce Committee chairman on Environment, Chief Godspower Asiuwhu added that the data to be collected from the Artisans would include passport photograph, full names, NIN, guarantors details, home address, type of trade,phone numbers, next of kin Information and location in Delta State.

For the member representing Oshimili South, Barr Bridget Anyafulu, the initiative was in the best interest of the state and the artisans.

Some other stakeholders who spoke promised to abide by the directives of the state government.

According to the schedule, the capturing processes will begin from the Monday,29th of April, at the artisan village, Oko, while enforcement will commence immediately.

This is why there is a need for proper sensitization and a general overhaul of the industry, not just establishing associations that lack systems and structures but to start seeing artisan businesses as real businesses and drivers of economic development and job creation just like any ‘other’ business.