Members of the Artisan Technician Association of Nigeria (ATAN), Mile 2 chapter, have pleaded with the local government to come to their aid by supporting their businesses.
They made the call on Thursday, April 14, 2022, at a weekly meeting held behind Unity primary school led by the chairman of the group, Sunday Oyelowo.
Amuwo News was in attendance to hear the complaints of members of the association who claimed to have been treated as second-class citizens by Amuwo Odofin.
“Neglected after Demolition”
Members of the ATAN claimed they have been neglected by the state and local governments since the demolition of shops occurred in February 2017.
“We are being neglected shortly after the election and after the demolition as well. No relocation of members to any particular area for us to carry on. After all, we are all into legitimate businesses. We are not causing problems in the community, “the treasurer of the association, Isaac Olayinka, told Amuwo News.
A member, Yakub Tajo, pleaded with the government to compensate artisans who lost their shops and valuables during the 2017 demolition.
“We were given a week’s notice before the demolition, which has caused a major setback for many of us. Yakub Tajo lamented, “I lost 3 shops with valuables in them even after I paid my taxes to the state and local government.”
“Loans”
According to the treasurer of the association, Mr. Olayinka, who claims the pieces of equipment artisans possess are outdated and productivity is being affected as he pleads for financial support through loans.
Most of our pieces of equipment are obsolete, and the government is not coming to our aid. I think they can help us with loans. There should be a financial institution that can be identified with artisans in this community, “he said.
“Empowerment Programs”
Comrade Thomas Comfort recounts that previous seminars and empowerment programs held in the community have not been beneficial to artisans, as she pleaded with the local government to ensure the programs are beneficial to artisans in the community.
“If the government wants to support businesses, they should go to individual associations and call on the people who really need support,” Comrade Comfort said.
Mr. Olayinka also addressed empowerment programs for artisans, as he believes this will give artisans in the community the exposure they need to become accustomed to trending equipment and ethics in their fields amid globalization.
He pleaded with the government to empower artisans in the Amuwo Odofin community in the best way they could.
