By Chimezie Godfrey
The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has empowered 300 beneficiaries of the National Industrial Skills development Program (NISDP) with start-up packs, during a ceremony at the Shehu Musa Yaradua Centre, Abuja.
The Director General/Chief Executive (ITF), Joseph N. Ari said that this program was the result of the commitment and relentless effort of (ITF) in line with its mandate, and contribution to the Federal Government’s policy of job creation and poverty eradication, by equipping as many youths as possible with skills for employability and entrepreneurship.
Ari said this phase of the programme benefited over 11,000 trainees across the 36 states of the Federation and the FCT.
“The start-up packs that are being distributed today should be viewed as our practical example and message to our stakeholders especially State governors and other members of the Organized Private Sectors (OPS) that training without corresponding support will not lead to expected outcomes.
“Let me congratulate the beneficiaries of this programme for being lucky to have their tools of trade ready on graduating. It is the first time, that the ITF will be empowering beneficiaries of the NISDP with start-up packs,” he said.
The Director also cautioned the beneficiaries, saying, “The start-up packs to be presented to you shortly are of high standard and therefore cost the ITF several millions of naira to procure. Do not contemplate selling any of these items presented to you.”
The FCT Minister,Alhaji Muhammad Musa Bello, appreciated ITF for the very laudable project which is in tandem with the programme of this administration,” towards manpower need, empowerment and above all generatingprivate self employment for the industrial growth and development of the nation.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Hajiah Aisha Abubakar, said that the ITF will monitor the beneficiaries to ensure that they are still on track, and to ensure that they do not fail in the equipment being given to them .
“We are very happy, we are very proud, 300 people have been empowered today, Young men and women and we look to see them become employers of labour in the near future,” she said
