President of the Artisans Association of Ogun State, Comrade Anthony Ayodele, has inaugurated an 18-member executive council for the association in Ijebu-Ode Local Government.

The inauguration ceremony held on Thursday at the Millennium Hall of Ijebu-Ode Local Government Secretariat was well attended by leaders and members of various artisans associations at both the local government and state levels.

The 18-member Executive Council, each representing the 18 artisan associations and led by Prince Adeleke Akinyelu, was inaugurated after taking the oath of office, administered by the state president, Comrade Anthony Ayodele.

The artisans’ state president charged Prince Akinyelu to be humble in his relationship with his fellow executives and members of the association. He also encouraged the other executives to be forthcoming and “speak their mind” on issues of contention with the chairman, rather than use them as a plot to get at the chairman.

He further urged the members to support and collaborate with the new executives and to express themselves during meetings, to clear up any grievances.

Comrade Ayodele, in his speech, urged artisans to place value on their work, their individual selves and their families. He stated that potential customers and society will not value artisans if they do not value their own craft.

Comrade Ayodele remarked that people would be “addressed the way they are dressed”, and urged artisans to always dress well both in their workshops and in public. He also urged artisans to ensure their workshops are in good condition and have a pleasing appearance to customers.

Comrade Anthony announced plans for the Ogun State artisans association, including a groundbreaking partnership with Parallex Bank to introduce an ID card that will also serve as an ATM card, allowing artisans to withdraw money from any ATM. In another financial inclusion plan, he disclosed that the state artisan association is partnering with a bank to provide accessible, affordable loans to all artisans in the state.

Comrade Ayodele also disclosed plans to develop a mobile application, through which customers can access nearby registered artisans for their various service needs, a move expected to bring artisans into the fast-growing digital commerce industry.

Meanwhile, he thanked the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Hon. Dare Alebiosu, for providing the Millennium Hall venue at no cost, describing him as “a friend of artisans”.

In his goodwill message, the Speaker of the League of Presidents of Artisan Associations in Ogun State, Comrade Timothy Adewole, cited China’s technological progress and prowess, which he says is powered by artisans and technicians. He added that no nation on earth can afford to neglect the contribution of artisans, and called for greater appreciation of artisans in Nigeria.