Members of the Delta State Artisans Association from the Delta Central Senatorial District have formally dissociated themselves from the informal sector management initiative being championed by the state chairman of the association, Chief Ifeanyi Abanum.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency meeting, where the artisans argued that the proposed informal sector management framework runs contrary to the objectives and founding principles of the Delta State Artisans Association.
They said this informed their collective decision not to align with the initiative.
The communiqué also outlined the background of the Delta State Artisans Association, including its year of establishment and core functions, while highlighting challenges currently affecting artisans in the Delta Central Senatorial District.
As part of resolutions reached, the group called on Chief Ifeanyi Abanum to relinquish the office of state chairman in line with zoning arrangements, which they said favour Delta Central to produce the next chairman of the association.
Addressing journalists, the Delta Central Public Relations Officer, Comrade Kingsley Azanor, urged members to steer clear of the informal sector management structure being promoted by the state chairman, which he said was scheduled for inauguration on Tuesday, January 10, 2026.
Comrade Azanor also appealed to Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to intervene in the matter, stressing that artisans constitute a skilled and critical workforce whose contributions are vital to the overall development of the state.
In separate interviews, the Chairman of the Artisans Association, Udu Chapter, Comrade Moses Onajighofia; the Sapele Chapter Chairman, Comrade Odafe Omerhi; and the Secretary of the Photography Association, Sapele Chapter, Mr. Dafe Bobolo, advised members to attend the scheduled inauguration but to stage a walkout should the agenda deviate from issues directly concerning the Delta State Artisans Association.
They also announced a vote of no confidence in the leadership of Chief Ifeanyi Abanum.
The meeting concluded with deliberations on strategies to reposition the Delta Central Senatorial District Artisans Association for greater growth, unity, and effectiveness.
