The Industrial Training Fund ITF has planned to empower five million Nigerians artisans annually with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to succeed in their respective fields.
The Director General and Chief Executive of the fund, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun stated this during a northwest zonal media briefing held in Kaduna Area office.
According to the Director General Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, ITF initiated the Skill Up Artisan programme SUPA and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to launch the programme soon due to its importance to the national importance.
The Director General who was represented by the Assistant Director, Head of Training, Kaduna Office, Mr. Daniel Jamgbade explained that a call center was also established to provide necessary information to the general public and presently over two hundred thousand Nigerians registered within a month for the programme.
He said a curriculum for the programme was already developed for the individual trades with the assistance of relevant Sector Skills Councils and the Trade Unions in the country.
Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun also informed the public that the Assessment of Training Centers for the implementation of the Skill Up Artisan SUPA is being carried out in all the thirty six states of the federation and the FCT Abuja.
The ITF Boss said the role of artisans cannot be overstated as they form the foundation upon which industries thrive. From manufacturing to construction, automotive to textiles, adding that artisans play a crucial role in driving productivity, innovation and economic growth.
He emphasised that with SUPA programme numerous opportunities would be available to harness the potential of the youth and drive economic growth for ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.
According to him, SUPA was developed in response to the need for upskilling and the capacity-building among the country’s skilled workforce and appealed to journalists to assist ITF in ensuring the success of the programme through positive press coverage as their contribution to the nation building.
Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun who expressed profound appreciation to the media in the northwest for standing steadfastly with the fund and for enlightening Nigerians on their activities, adding journalists in Kaduna State played very critical role in promoting the image and corporate profile of ITF, and have strong partners in progress.
At the end, he said SUPA was developed in response to the need for upskilling and the capacity-building among the country’s skilled workforce and appealed to journalists to assist ITF in ensuring the success of the programme through positive press coverage as their contribution to the nation building.
Adamu Yusuf
