George Okoh In.Makurdi
Director General of Industrial Training Fund(ITF, Mr. Joseph Ari has disclosed that the agency would soon commence the training of 300 youths in each state of the federation, even as he commended the Benue State Government for providing starter packs for 500 trainees who passed out of ITF programme.
He enjoined the trainee to remain committed and dedicated to making a success out of the kits provided to enhance their businesses
Ari disclosed at the weekend during the presentation of 500 start-up kits procured by the state government to youths who graduated in five trade areas under the National Industrial Skills Development Programme (NISDP), of the Industrial Training Fund, ITF.
The trainees who received skills for three months in Plaster of Paris, Fisheries, Confectionery, Welding and Fabrication as well as Tailoring and Garment making were presented with Start up packs at their graduation ceremony held at the Ultra modern international Market, Makurdi.
Also, the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Tersoo Kpelai, expressed appreciation to the Industrial Training Fund for the partnership and for its commitment on delivering on their mandate.
He stated that the graduands have been grouped into cooperatives for effective utilisation of the kits.
Meanwhile in his comment at the occasion, Governor Samuel Ortom, stressed that industrial skill acquisition remains the prerequisite to any society that wants to build a vibrant Small and Medium Enterprises sub-sector.
He urged the trainees to be foresighted, hardworking, diligent and committed in what they have chosen to do.
“I urge you to make good use of the opportunity provided by setting up your businesses in order to generate wealth and also boost the economy of the state”, he advised.
Ortom also, noted that having identified skills acquisition as a steps towards reducing unemployment in the state, the executive council has approved the establishment of three(3) technical colleges across the three geopolitical zones of the state to equip youths with requisite skills to add value to their lives and the society.
The governor assured that his administration would continue to partner with agencies and institutions to ensure that Benue people access skills and working capital to support their business enterprises.
He said the state was prepared to sponsor more youths in addition to those slated for training in the next phase of training by the ITF.
