Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has secured a statewide endorsement from organised artisans ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election, alongside assurances of expanded overseas training programmes aimed at strengthening technical capacity and workforce development.
The endorsement was announced on Monday at the Old Government House in Abakaliki by members of the Artisan Association of Nigeria, Ebonyi State chapter after embarking on solidarity walk for the governor within Abakaliki metropolitan area.
The event was attended by representatives from the 13 local government areas and 171 political wards across the state.
Speaking through his representative, Chief Uche Donatus, the governor expressed appreciation for the show of confidence and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to human capital development.
He disclosed that plans are underway to send more artisans abroad including to China and other advanced countries for specialised training to enhance their skills and productivity.
“This administration is committed to building a globally competitive workforce. We will continue to invest in our people through strategic training and empowerment programmes that will translate into sustainable economic growth for the state,” the governor said.
He described the endorsement as a reflection of widespread grassroots support for his administration’s policies, adding that the state government would consolidate its achievements in infrastructure, education, and enterprise development.
Earlier, the President of the Artisan Association of Nigeria in Ebonyi State, Comrade Francis John Nwebonyi, said the endorsement followed a careful assessment of the governor’s performance, particularly in the areas of empowerment, infrastructure, and education.
Nwebonyi noted that the administration’s interventions have positively impacted artisans across the state through skills acquisition initiatives, the establishment of industrial clusters, and scholarship schemes for both local and international studies.
“Thousands of artisans have benefited from empowerment programmes, while many have been supported to acquire higher education and technical skills. These efforts have significantly improved livelihoods and positioned our members for greater productivity,” he said.
He added that the association would mobilise its members to participate actively in the 2027 electoral process, including the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), in support of the governor’s second-term bid.
The motion for endorsement was moved by the State Chairman of the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association, Comrade Johnson Azi, and seconded by the Chairman of the Motor Mechanic Village, Abakaliki, Fidelis Ukwa. It received support from other stakeholders, including Ifeanyi Nwonunara.
The motion was unanimously adopted by a voice vote.
The event drew participation from various artisan groups, trade associations, and grassroots organisations, underscoring what stakeholders described as broad-based alignment in support of the governor’s re-election.
Observers noted that the endorsement by organised artisans—a significant bloc within the informal sector—may further strengthen the governor’s grassroots support as political activities gradually build toward the 2027 elections in the state and beyond.
