Business
THE Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, PHACCIMA urged artisans and small entrepreneurs to adopt innovation, professionalism and continuous learning to boost economic relevance.
Its President, Dr Chinyere Nwoga, gave the advice at a leadership and capacity-building programme in Port Harcourt on Saturday marking World Artisans Day.
Nwoga said the programme, organised with the Leadership Challenge Foundation, aimed to strengthen artisans’ capacity and productivity.
She described artisans as critical economic drivers, noting their services sustain households, businesses and public institutions.
“Artisans remain indispensable across sectors, despite being largely undervalued in society,” she said.
Nwoga urged artisans to take pride in their work and build confidence in their skills.
She reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to supporting artisans through SME and non-oil trade initiatives.
According to her, PHACCIMA provides capacity building, advisory services, networking opportunities and policy advocacy for small businesses.
She added that the chamber facilitates access to finance and linkages with larger industries to enhance growth.
“The partnership with the Leadership Challenge Foundation aims to equip artisans with technical and leadership skills to scale their businesses,” she said.
Nwoga encouraged artisans to adopt digital tools and modern techniques to remain competitive.
She advised them to formalise their businesses through registration, proper record-keeping and basic financial management.
She emphasised the need for quality, branding and excellence to access broader market opportunities.
In her remarks, LCF Foundation, Executive Director, Dr Joyce Ikpe, called for greater recognition of artisans in the informal sector.
Ikpe said the foundation focuses on reorienting artisans and enhancing their skills to improve livelihoods and productivity.
She noted artisans play vital roles in housing, transportation and essential services, urging sustained investment in the sector.
Keynote speaker, Prof. Cynthia Obiorah of the University of Port Harcourt, stressed the need for quality, integrity and confidence among artisans.
Obiorah called for government support through financing and the creation of artisan hubs across the country.
Mrs Ruhuoma Kejeh, permanent secretary at the Rivers’ Ministry of Youth Development’s Permanent Secretary, urged artisans to register with relevant stakeholders to compete globally.
Kejeh was epresented by Mrs Betsy Abibo, Director, Entrepreneurship, Social Mobilisation, and Networking, at the ministry.
She urged artisans to embrace branding, networking and value delivery to improve visibility and competitiveness. (NAN)
A.I
April 19, 2026
Tags: Dr Joyce Ikpe Mrs Betsy Abibo PHACCIMA Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce Prof. Cynthia Obiorah