Governor meets artisan

 By PISAI GUMAR

AFTER two years of looking, Morobe Governor Kelly Naru has finally met the villager who specialises in producing cane furniture and wooden eating utensils.

Naru has been looking for Gao Poiyoo of Dona village, Morobe Post, Huon-Gulf, after reading a story about him in The National in Dec 2011, to promote local cottage industries.

Poiyoo uses his skill to make furniture, utensils and other household items from cane and timber.

On Wednesday, Naru finally met Poiyoo at The National office in Lae.

“I was impressed and touched by Poiyoo’s keen ability after reading the article (in December 2011),” he said.

He said he began looking for Poiyoo after realising his “invaluable potential” to promote the cottage industry.

“If Government focuses in rural areas, such persons with ambitious skills and aims need to be enhanced and promoted,” he said.

“(It can thus) create employment opportunities in rural areas, engage youths and convert them to become productive instead of (migrating) to urban areas.”

The newspaper article highlighted Poiyoo’s innovative skills and his aim to one day ensure that his talent and local product were recognised and promoted.

Naru said: “My aim is to identify, enrich and strengthen innovative villagers involved in small to medium entrepreneurs participate meaningfully in businesses.

“With diverse geographical features coupled with resources, youths never realise the significance of what nature provides.”