By Obianuju Enujioke
The Mayor of Njikoka Local Government Area, Hon. Ikechukwu O. Okakpu (OKD Jnr.), has pledged his administration’s support for local artisans, assuring the Cobblers and Leather Artisans Association of Nigeria (CALAN) of a possible partnership to promote skills acquisition, youth empowerment and enterprise development.
The mayor gave the assurance on November 3, when the Anambra State and Njikoka Chapters of CALAN paid him a courtesy and partnership visit at the Local Government Secretariat in Abagana. The delegation was led by the Anambra State Coordinator, Mrs. Ebere Okonkwo, and the Njikoka Local Government Coordinator, Mr. Chidera Okafor, alongside other executive members of the association.
During the visit, the artisans showcased various locally manufactured leather products, including handmade palm sandals, school shoes, corporate shoes, belts, bags and slippers, highlighting the quality and economic potential of indigenous leather craftsmanship. The association also presented the Mayor with a pair of premium handcrafted palm sandals as a mark of appreciation and congratulated him on his election and assumption of office.
Speaking during the visit, Mrs. Okonkwo said the association was seeking collaboration with the new administration in youth empowerment, skills acquisition, access to workspace and the inclusion of leather artisans in local economic development programmes. She disclosed that CALAN has over 3,000 registered members across Anambra State and possesses the capacity to train thousands of young people with the necessary institutional support.
Responding, Mayor Okakpu commended the association for promoting indigenous businesses and sustaining local craftsmanship despite prevailing economic challenges. He described its products as beautiful, durable and globally competitive, noting that vocational skills and local enterprise were essential to sustainable employment generation.
The mayor disclosed that his administration was developing a Local Economic Empowerment Framework designed to incorporate trade unions, cooperatives and professional associations into the development process of Njikoka.
He expressed interest in partnering with CALAN to establish a leatherworks skills acquisition hub for youths and women, engage its members as trainers in the proposed vocational training programme and promote locally manufactured leather products at state and national exhibitions.
He assured the delegation that his administration was committed to working with productive groups capable of contributing to the local economy, adding that CALAN would be given the necessary platform to support skills development and enterprise growth. “We are ready to work with you. Teach our people this craft, and we will give you the platform and support to grow. This is how we build Njikoka together,” the mayor said.
The visit renewed commitment by both parties to pursue a formal partnership aimed at strengthening local craftsmanship, creating employment opportunities and promoting economic development in Njikoka Local Government Area.
Obianuju Enujioke is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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