ITF has contributed in uplifting the living conditions of Plateau citizens – Gov. Lalong

By Golok Nanmwa,Jos

Plateau state Governor Simon Lalong on Friday said the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has contributed in no small measure towards the upliftment of the living conditions of its immediate community and the educational sector in the State through its Corporate Social Responsibility Programmes.

The Governor made this known while speaking at the Commissioning ceremony of the funds modern library complex , central store and classroom block at the ITF headquarters in Jos .

He said ” Let me equally commend the ITF for the giant strides it has recorded under the leadership of our dearest son and my brother, Sir Joseph N. Ari, who has transformed and refocused the organisation to respond to the needs of Nigerians for entrepreneurship and productivity as several efforts have led to the empowerment of thousands of Nigerian youths with cutting-edge skills for entrepreneurship and employability in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s policy on poverty eradication and wealth creation.”

“Here in Plateau State, particularly since the assumption of Sir Joseph Ari as DG, our people have benefited from several phases of the Fund’s flagship skills acquisition programmes such as the National Industrial Skills Development Programme (NISDP), where over 1000 Plateau citizens were empowerment with skills and start-up kits. “

“Most of the beneficiaries are today either earning a living in paid employment, or are successful entrepreneurs who are employing others. Because of the impact of the NISDP, the State Government sponsored additional number of trainees for the programme. “
“We shall continue to sponsor such additional numbers for your programmes because I am convinced that skills acquisition is the way to go. We are seeing the results and the multiplier effect is evident.”

The Governor further said Plateau is also one of the few, whose indigenes have benefitted from the Women Skills Empowerment Programme (WOSEP) that trained and empowered indigent women, who are today either employed or running their businesses. Again, the State sponsored additional trainees and equally gave all the beneficiaries start-up packs.”

“Another 200 Plateau youths were trained in culinary skills courtesy of the ITF’s Technical Skills Development Project (TSDP), while the physically challenged were equipped with skills in mobile repairs and hair making under the Skills Training Empowerment Programme for the Physically Challenged (STEPP-C). “

” All the beneficiaries were supported with start-up kits. In all, through our active collaboration and support, over 5000 citizens have benefitted from these ITF programmes.”

He further said ” I am aware that ITF has constructed and commissioned two boreholes for the Rantya and Hwolshe communities; trained for free over 200 teachers, donated a sick bay to St. John Vianney Seminary and renovated and equipped an ICT Centre at the Government Technical College, Bukuru as well as the beautification of the State Low-cost roundabout.

“The commissioning of these projects today is yet another display of the magnanimity of the ITF to the people of Plateau State, which we deeply appreciate. We have room for more interventions. Just let us know where you want to site any project and we shall give you the access.”

” As a Government, we are willing to collaborate and support all ITF initiatives especially as they concern Human Capital Development, as this is in tandem with the State’s Economic Rebirth vision.”

“We are doing a lot through the Plateau Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (PLASMEDA) where we are training many youths, women and men in different areas, to empower them with skills that will support personal initiatives for wealth creation.”

“We are changing the orientation of our people, including civil servants, to turn away from relying on salary and government jobs in order to avoid heartache and disappointment particularly when they retire and cannot fend for themselves again.”

” It is for this reason that our Rescue Administration is investing in Technical Education and Entrepreneurship so as to inculcate in our younger ones the spirit of self-reliance, productivity and innovation.”

“Already, our efforts have started yielding results with our impressive performance at the National MSME Awards where tow of our sons, Jerry Mallo and Luka Pam Bot have broken national records. At the end of last year, we launched BENNIE PURIE, a sports car manufactured by Jerry Mallo.”

“Let me therefore assure you that the doors of the Plateau State Government will always be open to the ITF for any further collaboration because we believe that when we empower our youths with skills, then we will be able to address unemployment and insecurity.”

“I wish to call on other State Governments, the Organised Private Sector, Non-Governmental Organisations, Faith-Based Organisations, and other well-meaning Nigerians to collaborate with the ITF in the efforts at tackling unemployment and poverty in our nation.”

” Plateau State will continue to be a good host to the ITF and will do everything possible to make sure the management and staff of this great organisation operate with little or no stress.”

“We would continue to appreciate the ITF for its contributions to the development of the Plateau State and pray that the facilities being commissioned today will be utilized for the benefit of the State and Nigeria in general.”

Otunba Richard Adeniyi Adebayo, the Minister, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment who spoke earlier said in the absence of white collar jobs the fund would would ensure that their mandates are fully actualised .
“I want to assure that the federal government will continue to put in place policies that will ensure that organisations like the ITF whose activities have direct impact on the life of Nigerians thrive . “

The Director General of the ITF who also spoke at the occasion said the modern library would accomodate learning facilities for engineering ,Arts and Humanities Social sciences ,periodicals and Dailies among others .

“It would also house a 250 computer based test CBT capacity , as well as office accommodation for staff .
He said it is our firm believe that the library will enhance the capacity of staff to perform their duties , it must be noted that for any organisation to flourish , it requires the services of a vibrant and well furnished line , taking into congnisance our position as a learning and development agency , staff of the ITF are expected to be knowledgeable and that can only be achieved through constant research ,which is possible with a rich modern library.”

He further said in order to ensure continuous efficient and effective mandate delivery , there are several other projects in the pipeline which include the construction offended skills center in Enugu and an industrial skills training center in Gombe , construction and refurblishment of area complex in Awka,Jos ,Enugu ,Kaduna amongst others

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ITF has contributed in uplifting the living conditions of Plateau citizens – Gov. Lalong