By Mercy Akuba
The President of the Conference of Non-Government Organization, Dr. Bartholomew Okoudo has bagged the Humanitarian Service Award of the Artisans Development and Networking Organization in recognition of his philanthropic contributions to humanity.
The honor was presented at the annual general meeting of Artisans Development and Networking Organization with the theme : Strengthening Collaboration for Artisans Empowerment and Sustained Development in Benin City.
Dr. Okoudo who thanked the organizers of ARDENET ORG annual general meeting/award ceremony for finding him worthy of the honor noted that he will increase his commitment to the development of the Nigeria economy.
He said having worked in the development space over the years, he has learnt that the government cannot provide everything all alone but requires the partnership of private organizations to boost the economy for the better ment of everyone.
Earlier in his welcome address , the President of ARDRENT ORG, Comrade Ugiagbe Osamuyima expressed appreciation to all members and partners of the organization who has contributed to it’s growth and success.
According to him, the objective of the maiden annual general meeting is to celebrate the courage of artisans in the state and strategize how to strengthen the foundation laid for a more empowered and prosperous artisan sector across the state.
“These, we we are tracking to raise the dignity, capacity and economic relevance of skilled artisans and by God’s grace, with your unwavering support, we have made remarkable progress”.
He further enumerated the achievement recorded under his leadership through collaboration with government ministries, agencies to impactful training, stakeholders engagement, national representation and establishment of the organization’s Secretariat.
He however called on members and board members for renewed shared vision to uplift the skilled workforce, promote excellence, nurture innovation that would create opportunities that strengthen families, businesses, communities and state economy.
Presenting the keynote paper, Hon. Joel Edionwe emphasized that artisans remain the productive backbone of the Nigeria economy.
According to him, artisans contribute directly to job creation, service delivery, innovation and community well being. ” They are the builders of homes, the designers of products, the fixers of our machines and the creators of livelihoods, yet , their full potential often remain untapped due to fragmented support systems, limited access to finance, inadequate training opportunities and weak institutional collaboration”.
” To empower artisans, sustainable collaboration is not optional, it is essential. We must move beyond isolated interventions to a more coordinated and inclusive approach where government agencies provide enabling policies, infrastructure and certification framework “. He added.
High point of the event was the presentation of Awards to deserving Sons and daughter of Edo State.
The Distinguished Comrade Dr Bartholomew Okoudo FCS, ppl
Comrade Dr Bartholomew Okoudo whose life’s work reflects uncommon courage, commitment, and an unshakable belief in a just and inclusive society was born in to the family of Okoudo in igueben local government area.
Dr Bartholomew Okoudo is an exceptional individual whose leadership has not only strengthened the fabric of civic engagement but has also redefined what it means to serve with integrity, vision, and purpose.
Over the years, comrade Dr Bartholomew Okoudo has demonstrated exemplary dedication to promoting human rights, gender equality, social accountability, community resilience, and good governance. His tireless efforts have inspired countless citizens, empowered marginalized groups, and built bridges across communities, sectors, and institutions. Through strategic advocacy, resource mobilization, coalition building, and capacity strengthening, he has ensured that critical development issues receive the attention they deserve.
His leadership is marked by clarity of vision—one anchored in fairness, dignity, and opportunity for all. He has championed groundbreaking initiatives that address systemic inequalities, supported grassroots movements, and created platforms that elevate the voices of women, youth, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. His work has shaped public discourse, influenced policy reforms, and advanced accountability in ways that leave a lasting legacy.
In addition to his professional excellence, he embodies humility, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to ethical leadership. Whether engaging policymakers, coordinating civil society networks, mentoring emerging leaders, or standing with communities during moments of crisis, he consistently demonstrates compassion, resilience, and strategic foresight.
Today, we proudly recognize and celebrate this outstanding CSO leader—not only for his remarkable achievements, but also for the hope, inspiration, and transformative impact he brings to society. His service stands as a testament to what is possible when leadership meets passion, when advocacy meets action, and when one individual dedicates his life to advancing the common good.
In recognition of these extraordinary contributions to civil society development, democratic governance, and social transformation, we present this citation with the highest esteem and gratitude to Comrade Dr Bartholomew Okoudo, President Conference of Non Government Organizations