Artisans and informal sector operators in Delta State have backed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was announced by the Delta State Informal Sector Association an umbrella body of 42 trade unions representing more than 120000 stakeholders across the state. The association said its decision followed an assessment of the policies and development initiatives of the Tinubu-led Federal Government and the Oborevwori administration.
The state Chairman of the Informal Sector Chief Ifeanyi Abanum who announced the position urged members of the various unions to mobilise their families associates and customers to support the APC candidates at the polls.
Abanum said the informal sector had witnessed greater recognition under the Oborevwori administration.
He noted that the government had created opportunities for artisans and small business operators to engage with policymakers and communicate their concerns.
According to him roads and other development projects across rural communities have improved access and created better conditions for residents and business operators.
He called on the union leaders to take the message of support to their members at the grassroots stressing that the association was more interested in genuine commitment than inflated membership figures.
‘We want all of us to work together and speak with one voice. This is the time to work together and support the government’ Abanum said.
He also indicated that plans were underway to provide empowerment opportunities for members including business support and grants.
He urged union leaders to ensure that their members were properly profiled to benefit from the programmes.
Speaking at the meeting Secretary to the State Government Dr Kingsley Emu commended the association for bringing the various unions together under a coordinated leadership structure.
Emu said the informal sector remained critical to the state’s economic development noting that the contributions of artisans traders and small business owners could not be overlooked in efforts to grow the economy.
He said the Oborevwori administration recognises informal sector operators as important partners in governance and had established an administrative framework to ensure that their concerns received attention.
Also speaking the Senior Policy Adviser to the Governor Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo; State Director of Protocol Chief Sunday Onoriode; and Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information Mr Charles Aniagwu commended the informal sector leaders for their support.
He urged them to sustain their engagement with the government.
President of the Delta State Market Men and Women Association Mrs Kate Onah and the Chairman of the association in Delta Central Wilson Esivwekpe were also among those who spoke at the meeting.
The stakeholders stressed the need for sustained cooperation between government and informal sector operators particularly in expanding business opportunities improving livelihoods and ensuring that artisans and traders benefit from government interventions.