Artisans in Rivers State have been urged to embrace innovation, formally register their businesses, form cooperatives, and uphold high standards of integrity, quality, and branding as they transition from skilled workers into job creators driving sustainable economic growth.
Dr. Chinyere Nwoga, President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce (PHCCIMA), made the call during World Artisans Day celebrations organised by the Leadership Challenge Foundation in collaboration with PHCCIMA in Port Harcourt on Saturday.
Nwoga described artisans as the skilled hands quietly powering Nigeria’s economy. She reaffirmed PHCCIMA’s commitment to supporting them through SME programmes, improved market access, skills development, and advocacy for affordable financing. The partnership with the foundation aligns with PHCCIMA’s vision of building resilient businesses and human capital in the Niger Delta.
“Your hands are building Nigeria’s future. Keep creating, keep shining,” Nwoga told the artisans.
Mrs. Joy Success Ikpe, Founder of the Leadership Challenge Foundation, emphasised the importance of honouring tailors, welders, carpenters, plumbers, electricians and other craftsmen whose work builds, sustains and beautifies society. She described them as foundational to sustainable development and inclusive growth.
The event, themed “Empowering Artisans for Sustainable Development and Inclusive Economic Growth,” focused on equipping artisans with advanced skills, business acumen and support to refine their crafts, strengthen brands, access wider markets and generate wealth. Ikpe urged participants to price services appropriately, market boldly and scale into thriving micro-enterprises. She called on PHCCIMA, government and partners to provide accessible finance, modern tools, market linkages and continuous training.
Keynote speaker Prof. Cyndi Amaka Obiorah described artisans as innovators and micro-CEOs who transform raw materials into valuable products, power local economies, preserve cultural heritage and apply circular economy principles. She cited examples such as leather recyclers in Kano, waste-to-wealth shoemakers in Aba, natural dye producers in Osogbo and zero-carbon weavers in Akwete.
Obiorah acknowledged challenges, which include skills gaps, limited access to finance and a societal dignity deficit that causes graduates to overlook craft professions while Nigeria imports basic fittings. She proposed dignifying TVET, establishing an Artisan Fund that accepts workshop equipment as collateral, leveraging AfCFTA to export Nigerian crafts like Adire globally, and launching a national apprenticeship scheme with stipends.
According to her, “Empower one artisan and you feed families, train apprentices and strengthen entire communities,” she said. “Artisans represent Nigeria’s true comparative advantage. The world needs skilled hands, not just algorithms.”
Betsy Alibo, representing the Rivers State Ministry of Youth Development, acknowledged government support and the need to unlock artisans’ full potential.
Other speakers include PHCCIMA’s Financial Secretary, Chief Surv. Emmanuel Ogbonda, WCCIMA Coordinator, HM. Dr Patricia Ogbonnaya, Chairman of SME/NGO trade Group, Daboikiabo Jack, Chairman of Professional Services and Consultancy Trade Group, High Chief Emeka Ezekwe represented by Prof PC Wakama, and board member of LCF, Alex Ijekere echoed the need for artisans to improve integrity, self-development, networking and branding to upscale their enterprises.
The celebration ended with a World Artisans Day Walk through the streets of Port Harcourt, led by Joy Success Ikpe