By Peter Usman
Abuja (Nigeria) – Federal Capital Territory Administration is to collaborate with the Industrial Training Fund, ITF to inculcate necessary entrepreneurial and vocational skills in youths in the FCT.
The Minister, Muhammed Bello gave this indication when the Director General, Industrial Training Fund, ITF, Joseph Ari paid a him a courtesy visit, and that the move would reduce the rate of unemployment not only in the FCT but the country in general..
He said “We are ready to partner with Industrial Training Fund to reduce unemployment in the Territory by ensuring that our youths acquire the necessary skills that would make them self-employed and employers of labour.
This is very important, especially now that there is so much influx of people from every part of the country into the Territory.”
Bello who was represented by the FCT Permanent Secretary, Chinyeaka Ohaa lauded the enormous contributions of the ITF in re-positioning the nation’s economy on the path of sustainable growth and development.
His words: “We know that Industrial Training Fund, ITF is one of the foremost institutions that has helped Nigeria economy tremendously. In fact, your role is even more critical now that we are having unemployment issues.”
Earlier, in his remarks, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of Industrial Training Fund, ITF, Joseph Ari explained that given the position of FCT as the gateway of Nigeria, the Agency believed that partnership with FCT Administration, particularly in the area of skill acquisition would assist immensely to achieve the dream of President Muhammadu Buhari of empowering young people with requisite skills.
“We are here to synergise with FCT Administration being the gateway of Nigeria to achieve the dream of President Muhammadu Buhari which is hinged on empowering people with skills in different areas, he explained.”
The Director General further remarked that the Agency has keyed into the policy of Federal Government concerning ease of doing business and other international trends.
Meanwhile, the National Industrial Skills Development programme of the ITF in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Trade and Industry, in the 36 states of the federation, commences on Monday, January 29, 2019.
A major highlight of the event is the presentation of starter-packs to all graduands.
According to a release by the Fund, this is to ensure that beneficiaries utilise the knowledge acquired from the training for entrepreneurship, vocational and overall economic development of the country.