By Anietie Akpan
The Pre-Artisans Convention of the Akwa Ibom State Artisans Association, Eket Senatorial District, has ended in Eket, with a charge on artisans, community leaders to key into the ARISE Agenda opportunities of Governor Umo Eno in Akwa Ibom State.
The colourful gathering marked by creativity, innovation and renewed commitment to skills development in took place at the Eket council secretariat grounds.
The Chairman of the occasion, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr. Essien Ndueso described the convention as a timely platform that aligns strongly with the ARISE Agenda of Governor Eno.
He commended the organisers and participating artisans for their dedication to craftsmanship, enterprise and community development, noting that skills and productivity remain critical drivers of sustainable economic growth.
Dr. Ndueso urged artisans to take government programmes and initiatives seriously, stressing that many empowerment opportunities often go untapped due to lack of awareness or proper registration on the portal.
Expressing dismay that none of the participants had registered in any of the empowerment portals of the State, he maintained that the portals existed for transparency, equity and probity in government largesses for entrepreneurship development, skills acquisition and grants.
According to him, the state government continues to create pathways for artisans through structured interventions, capacity-building programmes and access to grants, adding that proper documentation and registration remain key requirements for inclusion.
Speaking earlier, the coordinator of Eket Senatorial District Chapter of the Association, Miss Adiakananwan Ekanem, said she was pleased with the success of the exhibition show, saying it was part of the efforts to engender awareness for artisanship in the State.
Miss Ekanem, herself a shoe manufacturer said she and others in the show were satisfied with participating in the private sector, and appealed for support from the State Government to enable them expand in their businesses.
She said the convention aimed to “inspiring and empowering aspiring artisans within the community”, and thanked the Governor’s aide and other dignitaries for their support.
Also speaking, Mr. Samuel Ekpenyong, President of the Akwa Ibom Artisans Association, highlighted the importance of unity, skills development and market access, describing the pre-convention as a build-up to broader engagement that will further showcase local talent and strengthen collaboration with government and private sector partners.
Participants described the convention as more than an exhibition, noting that it served as a celebration of talent, shared experiences and inspiration, while reinforcing the value of community and creativity in driving progress.
The Eket Pre-Artisans Convention wrapped up with renewed optimism, as artisans pledged to deepen their engagements with government initiatives and continue leveraging their crafts to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to the development of Akwa Ibom State.
The convention also featured goodwill messages from several dignitaries, including the Honourable Commissioner for Trade and Investment, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Effiong; the State Coordinator of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE); the Village Head of Etebi Idung Akpaisang, Johnny Udia Edohoeket; Honourable Ekanem Willie, member of the Eket Chamber of Commerce, former Vice Chairman of Eket Local Government Area and immediate past Board Member of the Akwa Ibom State Technical School Board; and community leader Dr. Samuel Udonsak, President of the Eket Peoples Union.
Also in attendance were retired Permanent Secretary, Nsudo Nsudo and other notable personalities who applauded the artisans for their resilience and contributions to the local economy.
