By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe
The Imo State Ministry of Entrepreneurship, Skills Acquisition and Social Responsibility and the Association of Nigeria Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT), Imo State Chapter, have identified strategic pathways for advancing the activities of artisans and technicians across the state.
This was the focus of a courtesy visit by the leadership of ASNAT to the Commissioner for Entrepreneurship, Skills Acquisition and Social Responsibility, Prof. Chinonye Love-Moses, on Wednesday, January 28, at the State Secretariat Complex, Owerri.
Speaking during the visit, the Imo State and South East Coordinator of ASNAT, Hon. Dozie Julius, said the engagement was aimed at formally acquainting the new commissioner with the activities and objectives of the association.
He explained that ASNAT is a national body established to serve as a unified platform for artisans and technicians nationwide.
Hon. Julius, a former Vice Chairman of Owerri North Local Government Area, congratulated Prof. Love-Moses on her appointment and emphasized the need for the state government to prioritize the development of artisans and technicians, whom he described as critical stakeholders in Imo State’s economic growth.
He highlighted ASNAT’s activities in the state since its inauguration, including the impressive outing of the Imo State contingent at the 2nd Nigerian Artisans and Technicians Exhibition and Fair (NATEF 2025) held in Abuja.
While commending Governor Hope Uzodimma for his artisan-friendly policies, Julius appealed for increased government interventions through grants, establishment of artisan clusters, and provision of modern equipment to members. He assured the commissioner of ASNAT’s readiness to partner with the ministry in driving development.
In her response, Prof. Love-Moses expressed delight over the visit and praised ASNAT members for their organization, uniqueness and positive contributions to society. She described artisans and technicians as innovators and entrepreneurs who invest their time, energy and resources in providing solutions to societal challenges.
The commissioner stressed the importance of collaboration between government and organized professional groups like ASNAT in building a better Imo State. She assured members of the association of her ministry’s willingness to support and work closely with them.
Prof. Love-Moses, however, advised ASNAT to develop a comprehensive database and clear means of identification for its members to facilitate effective collaboration with government. She also encouraged continuous upskilling to improve productivity and global competitiveness.
The commissioner further disclosed plans by the ministry to organize a trainer-trainee programme for artisans and technicians, as well as a stakeholders’ meeting scheduled for February 28, 2026.
On his own, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Skills, Hon. Chidi Onyebuchi, commended members of ASNAT in the state for achieving laudable milestones, noting that bringing artisans and technicians under one umbrella was good for the association and the government in driving development. He charged them to remain focused, promising government’s support.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of ASNAT’s registration certificates with relevant government agencies at the federal and state levels to the commissioner by Hon. Julius. The event also featured contributions from various artisan groups, who spoke on their prospects and challenges.
Management staff of the ministry present at the meeting included Mrs. Chizo Emereole, Director of Administration and Finance; Sir Kelechi Ekomaru, Head of Entrepreneurship Department; Mrs. Ukamaka Umeh, Head of Skills Acquisition; Mr. Ezimoha Obinna, Head of Social Responsibility; and Lady Opara Justina, Director of Accounts, among others.
