The leadership of the Ondo State Artisans Group (OSAG) has disowned a group calling for Federal Government Empowerment, saying Artisans in the state are benefitting from government intervention both at the state and federal levels.
In a statement made available to Newsmen by the Publicity Secretary, Com. Oni Olaniran and signed by the President General, Com. Apst. Adefioye Gbenga Gure, said it is an act of ingratitude for anybody calling for government empowerment, considering both past and present benefits accrued to artisans in Ondo State.
It could be recalled that, Artisan Defender and Empowerment Foundation, a group which claimed over 25,000 membership is appealing to the Federal Government to include them in its various empowerment and skills-development programmes.
Apostle Adefioye noted that, the only body registered for artisans advocacy and welfarism in Ondo state is OSAG, saying bonafide members of the group are benefitting from every programme of both the state and federal government.
He asked the relevant authority and general public to distance themselves from appeal made by the group.
Commending Dr Afiz Ogun, the Director General of Industrial Training Fund (ITF) for always coming to the aids of OSAG in Ondo State, noting that, the DG singlehandedly sponsored the 2026 Artisans Day, launched Artisans For Tinubu/ Shettima 2027, aside other incentives to the group.
He added that, four artisans selected from Ondo State are currently undergoing training in Abuja, a Federal Government programme in collaboration with the Industrial Training Fund.
According to the statement, “20 master artisans selected from across the country, of which four of them are from Ondo State are participating in the eight-week Train-the-Trainer programme, courtesy of Dr Afiz Ogun led ITF”.
He noted that, the initiative, which commenced in Abuja, is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s technical workforce, reduce dependence on foreign skilled labour and improve the global competitiveness of Nigerian artisans and technicians.
Apostle Adefioye stressed the need to collaborate with ITF, while assuring the DG of their cooperation and support in bringing the needed skills and training to the artisans in Ondo State.
He appealed to artisans in the state to be wary of people parading themselves as the representative of Artisans in Ondo State, saying his leadership will continue to prioritize their interests and welfare.
