The Executive Director of Leadership Challenge Foundation, Dr. Joy Success Ikpe, has urged the Rivers State Government to improve the welfare of artisans in the state and provide them with necessary orientation to enhance their self-worth and productivity. This call was made during an interaction with journalists on the sidelines of the 2026 Artisans Conference and Exhibition held in Port Harcourt.
According to Dr. Ikpe, the government should partner with NGOs and other relevant organisations to address the low self-esteem among artisans and help them appreciate their importance in the society. She stressed that artisans play significant roles in the economy and should be accorded the recognition and support required to improve their productivity.
Dr. Ikpe also urged artisans to embrace professional certification and regularly upgrade their skills to remain competitive in their respective fields. She noted that the changing technological environment had made it imperative for artisans to acquire relevant digital skills and collaborate with institutions and organisations capable of providing quality training and certification.
The Chairman of the conference and Area Manager of the Industrial Training Fund, Cabral Angereke, commended the Leadership Challenge Foundation for bringing artisans together through the initiative. He encouraged the participants to take advantage of the ITF platform to acquire professional certifications that would enhance their businesses and improve their performance.
Other speakers at the conference, including the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of LCF, Prof. Ogechi Adeola, and the Founder of Hope Aglow Charity Foundation, Prof Cynthia Amaka Obiorah, emphasised the importance of continuous skills development and teamwork for artisans. They urged artisans to partner with organisations capable of advancing their businesses.
The National President of Rivers State Artisans, Comrade Hero Jack, thanked the organisers for their support, while the Guest of Honour, Alabo Austin Bob-Manuel, General Manager of Oil Serve Limited, urged artisans to utilise opportunities provided by the conference to improve their skills and businesses.
The keynote speaker, Prof. Bourdilion Omueh, warned that artisans who failed to acquire digital skills risked losing their relevance in the near future. The Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Youth Development, Ruhuoma Kejeh, assured of the state government’s commitment to supporting artisans and promoting their development.
Key points
- The Leadership Challenge Foundation is pushing for improved welfare and orientation for artisans in Rivers State.
- Artisans are being encouraged to acquire professional certifications and digital skills to remain competitive.
- The Rivers State Government has assured of its commitment to supporting artisans and promoting their development.
