Ondo Artisans Threaten Nationwide Protest, Demand Inclusion in Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Empowerment Programmes

Thousands of artisans and skilled workers in Ondo State have called on the Federal Government to include them in empowerment initiatives under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, warning that continued neglect could trigger nationwide protests and weaken political support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The appeal was made by the Artisan Defender and Empowerment Foundation, which said it represents more than 25,000 artisans and skilled workers. The group argued that despite backing President Tinubu’s re-election efforts, its members have yet to benefit from government empowerment programmes designed to improve livelihoods and create economic opportunities.

In a statement jointly signed by the association’s Chairman, Engr. Ogundipe James, and General Secretary, Adebayo Olugbenga, the group said it was established and registered with the Federal Government to promote the interests of artisans and skilled workers across the Niger Delta region.

The association expressed concern over what it described as the poor welfare of artisans, particularly in Ondo State, and urged the Federal Government to prioritise skills development, vocational training, financial empowerment and capacity-building programmes for its members.

It specifically appealed to agencies including the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, the Office of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the Presidential Amnesty Programme to consider proposals previously submitted by the organisation.

The group maintained that artisans play a critical role in employment generation and national economic growth, warning that continued exclusion from government interventions could create dissatisfaction among its members and affect the political goodwill they have extended to the current administration.

“We call on the agencies mentioned above, demanding immediate attention to the proposals that have earlier been sent to these government institutions,” the statement said.

The association also warned that failure to address its demands could result in nationwide demonstrations and have political implications for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that prompt government action would help strengthen confidence among artisans and skilled workers across the country.