Progressive Artisans Dissociate Self from Purported Endorsement of Folarin’s Gubernatorial Bid
Written by Aloore Radio on 15 — 07
Progressive Artisans Association of Nigeria, Oyo State chapter, on Friday distanced itself from a purported endorsement of Senator Teslim Folarin’s gubernatorial bid.
A circulated report had recently said the body of Artisans in Oyo State assured the Senator representing Oyo Central and Guber candidate of the All Progressives Congress of their support for his bid to govern oyo state.
In response to the above, the Association led by its President, Mogaji Salawudeen Kamorudeen took to the streets of Ibadan for a solidarity walk dissociating its members from the purported endorsement, adding that they are in full support of the second term bid of Governor Seyi Makinde.
The leaders of various associations, numbering about 400 described Makinde’s administration as one that has met the demands of residents of the state.
The solidarity walk, which commenced at the Association’s Headquarters in Iba-Oluyole Shopping Complex took the Artisan leaders through the popular Oja’ba Market and was terminated at Mapo Hall, where they chanted solidarity choruses for the state governor.
Mogaji Salawudeen Kamorudeen praised Governor Seyi Makinde for implementing Artisans’-friendly policies within the past three years, adding that this has helped in improving the living standard of its members.
The Association however dissociated itself from a statement by a sect of National Automobile Technicians of Nigeria, (NATA) in Ibadan, endorsing the candidacy of Senator Teslim Folarin.
The President described the sect as a “group of minute artisans sponsored by some politicians who are only envious of the governor’s success stories in the areas of education ,agriculture, security, health sectors as well as expansion of economy.
Salawudeen said Progressive Artisans in Oyo State, with registered members numbering over over 100,000 from over 400 associations are in full support of Governor Seyi Makinde’s re-election bid, adding that the Association’s resolve can not be shortchanged.
He said, “we are the largest body of Artisans in Oyo State, and we urge Governor Seyi Makinde to be rest assured of our continued support and love for his administration”.
He therefore appealed to the public to ignore the unfounded stories flying around that the Association has endorsed a different candidate in Oyo State.
Mogaji Salawudeen Kamorudeen, who is the Vice President of Oyo State Market Leaders Council, thanked Governor Makinde for the renovation and upgrade of Primary Healthcare Centers in all the Wards in Oyo State as well as full implementation of the four cardinal programs of his administration for accelerated development of the state.
Speaking also, the Chairman, National Technician Association, Comrade Wemimo Oladokun commended Makinde’s spirit of oneness, adding that he has developed the State in many ways.
He reiterated that PROTAN is the largest Artisans’ body, which has chosen to pass the vote of confidence on Makinde.
Oladokun added that the body has started canvassing people of the state to vote overwhelmingly for Governor Seyi Makinde’s re-election bid in the forthcoming 2023 election.
He added that the Governor has set a template for other Governors in the Southwest, pointing at the recruitment of the largest number of Amotekun corps in the South-West.
Oladokun said the Governor in his kindness has encouraged Artisans and traders to excell in the State, by creating enabling environment for members of the Association to thrive.
The NATA leader, said the Association and others have chosen to converge on Mapo, to pass vote of confidence on the Governor, notwithstanding the enticement by opposition parties.
The Artisans therefore, appealed to the governor not to be discouraged in his efforts towards taking the state to the desired height, particularly at improving the standards of education and other sectors.
The solidarity walk was witnessed by leaders of different associations registered under PROTAN.
The walk was attended by leaders of different Artisan groups which includes: Oyo State Battery Chargers; Carpenters Association; Motor Spare-Parts Association; Nigeria Automobile Technician Association, Oyo State.
Others are, Association of Hairdressers and Hair Therapists; National Painters Association; National Association of Professional Photographers and Videographers; Association of Building Materials Sellers; Ibadan Battery Chargers; Upholstery Association of Nigeria; Progressive Barbers Association of Nigeria; Nylon Cutters Association and Sportswear and Garment Sellers Associaiton.
Also among them were members of
Association of Graphic Artists and Signwriters and Musical Instrument Sellers Association., and many others too numerous to mention
