By JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
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 North West 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 established to provide information to the 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.
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 the fund in ensuring the success of the programme through positive press coverage as their contribution to the nation building.
” I wish to express our profound appreciation to the media in the northwest region for standing with us particularly journalists in Kaduna State played critical role in promoting the image and corporate profile of the ITF, and have strong partners in progress”.
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.
” 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”.
” The objective of SUPA is to identify, register and categorize artisans across the different sectors of the economy, provide comprehensive industry compliant and certified training programme, including health and safety programmes for various trades such as carpentry, masonry, plumbing and electrical works among others.
” The benefits of SUPA are access to quality training, equipping them with employable skills which enhances their earning potential and contributes to poverty reduction, reducing dependency on foreign artisans, increase foreign exchange through national talent export programme and encourage Nigerians traveling abroad to acquire skills.
“The upscaling the artisans in Nigeria is not just a necessity but an imperative for the nation’s sustainable economic development, particularly technological advancement, automation, and shifting market dynamics continuously reshape industries, requiring a workforce that is adaptable, skilled and innovative”.
