By Patrick Ahanor, Benin City.
The Artisans Development and Networking Organisation (ARDENET) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) to render stewardship and make key decisions for the future.
In its 2024/2025 report presented to stakeholders in Benin City, Edo State by the Director of Administration, Comrade Rachael Otasowie Osadiaye, the group highlighted key achievements, including the successful establishment of the ARDENET Secretariat at Ebuodia community in Benin City.
The report also contained, in part, a signed Framework of Action (MoA) with the Edo State Board of Technical and Vocational Education (BTVE) and the mobilization of thousands of skilled artisans and apprentices for conferences and training with ITF SUPER, NDCCITMA, and FGTVET.
It added: “Coordinated ARDENET ORG youth supervisors’ digital training was held across 18 Local Government Areas in Edo State. 194 were trained while 138 were accredited as Coordinators in March.
”Received a provisional certificate as a training provider from the National Business and Examination Board and the National Board for Technical Education.”
The 2025 AGM has as its theme: “Strengthening Collaboration for Artisans Employment and Sustainable Development.”
Earlier, the President of ARDENET, Engr. Ugiagbe Osamuyime, welcomed stakeholders to the AGM and urged them to renew the organization’s shared vision.
According to him, “Let us reaffirm our responsibility to uplift the skilled workforce, promote excellence, and nurture innovation that creates opportunities that strengthen families, businesses, communities, and our State economy.
”I encourage us to deliberate with unity, clarity, and purpose. Let this meeting set the tone for a stronger ARDENET ORG, one that stands as a model of service, integrity, and sustainable development.
”Today, we are going to inaugurate more credible board members and honor some personalities who have shown exemplary character and contributed toward the progress of ARDENET ORG and the artisan sector,” he added.
Continuing, Engr. Ugiagbe Osamuyime commended the Edo State Government and the Ministry of Science and Technology for their support, noting that the partnership would boost innovation, skills development, and employment opportunities across the State.
He stated that the organization is poised to provide artisans with the needed support to attract opportunities, sustain business growth, and advocate for their rights.
On his part, Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hon. Etiosa Ogbewi, pledged that the Edo State Government would facilitate access to federal grants for innovators, artisans, and craftsmen with outstanding and impactful solutions capable of addressing national challenges.
Ogbewi explained that qualified applicants would be guided through the Presidential Standing Committee on Innovation and Invention and the Startup Act online application processes, following due assessment of their innovations.
Ogbewi, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Engr. Jonathan Idubor, disclosed that beneficiaries could access grants of over one million naira, depending on the quality, relevance, and impact of their projects.
He noted that the ministry would serve as a link between qualified innovators in the State and relevant federal government funding windows, assuring that Edo innovators would receive the necessary institutional support to access such opportunities.
The Commissioner further reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to partnering with organizations whose activities align with creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship, describing ARDENET ORG as a strategic partner in youth development.
“This programme is about Edo youths. It is geared towards job creation, coordination of artisans’ activities, and the development of a comprehensive database of artisans, which will further drive socio-economic development in the State,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address titled “Strengthening Collaboration for Artisans’ Employment and Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” guest speaker Hon. Joel Edionwe praised ARDENET for successfully mobilising artisans, engaging policymakers, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and volunteer leadership.
He noted that ARDENET’s model represents a grassroots-driven approach to development where empowerment is built on capacity, responsibility and shared vision rather than handouts.