…as BAO promises separate body to protect artisans’ interest
The All Progressives Congress (APC), governorship candidate in Ekiti, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), on Sunday expressed his determination to elevate the status of artisans and players in the private sector in the state, if he wins the June 18 governorship election.
Oyebanji who spoke in Ado Ekiti, during an interactive session with representatives and leaders of 148 trades and professional bodies in the informal sector, said much as he appreciated formal education, he didn’t believe that certificate should be the only criteria for success and good life.
As part of the measures being put in place to reposition the sector, he said a separate government body, under the watch of one of the players in the private sector would be set up to protect their interest.
The APC Candidate also pointed out that under his watch, he would make sure that the idea of importing artisans from neighboring states and countries would be a thing of the past, adding that local content and protection of the interest of artisans would be accorded priority.
“Beyond what I gathered from the leadership of the various bodies, my personal experience as a player in the agricultural sector where I involve in piggery and poultry has given me a first hand experience on the challenges facing our people.
” One, I know access to funding is a challenge and I’m also fully aware that low patronage as a result of disregard for local content is another problem.
“Knowing well that no government or state can succeed without an active and productive MSMEs, I will be passionate about boosting the private sector through various interventions and right protection to enhance optimum productivity and economic transformation.
We will not fold our arms in government and allow foreigners from neighbouring countries become champions in craft and other technical jobs that our people can do. To this end, we will not pay lip service to local content
Earlier, the Convener of the meeting and one of the stakeholders, Hon. Deji Adesokan, had stated that the meeting became necessary to further cement the relationship between players in the private sector and the government. He also pointed out that his members considered it necessary to rub mind with Oyebanji because of his passion for the growth of the sector as demonstrated during various meetings held with their leaders.
“You will all agree with me that artisans and players in the private sector are important to economic growth. The sector is also the greatest employer of labour and we consider it necessary to hold this meeting and discuss prospects and challenges of the sector to give Mr. Oyebanji and the APC the template to work on in the next administration. As an home grown politician, farmer and technocrats, we settle for Oyebanji because he knows where the shoe pinches,”
In their separate contributions during the meeting, Messrs Abiodun Gbenga and Comrade Fadipe Ebenezer, chairman, private sector and President Artisans Association of Nigeria, Ekiti State chapter respectively urged Oyebanji to consider their members for appointment if he win the election. They also appealed to the gubernatorial candidate to help them talk to national assembly members from the state and other political and appointed officers to always consider them for empowerment.
