By Yusufu Idegu, Jos –
The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has said it is changing the poverty narratives of Nigeria positively since its creation 50 years ago.
Speaking on the theme, “Changing The Poverty Narrative through skills: The Role of ITF and The Imperative for Institutional Synergy” the guest speaker, Dr Ezekiel Gomos, said ITF which is the human resources development in Nigeria has receive a boost under the current management led by Sir Joseph Ari.
ITF was created in 1971 with a core mandate to develop human resources in Nigeria by training Nigerians on skills relevant for the industrialisation of the country.
Dr Gomos siad, “In spite of the milestone reached by ITF in the last 50 years, there is still much deficit to be filled by ITF in the years ahead.
According to him, Nigeria is ranked 3rd most poorest nations of the world, indicating the need for more work.
“The 33% of unemployment rate in Nigeria is quite challenging and put pressure on management of ITF, the National Assembly, the Federal Ministry Industry, Trade and Investment to do all that is necessary to change the poverty narratives of the country”.
On his part, The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Mariam Katagum, applauded ITF for living up to expectations of the Buhari led administration in the area of job creation and poverty reduction.
The minister, further, challenged ITF to intensify its efforts as the nation look up to it for the industrialisation of the country.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director General and Chief Executive of ITF, Sir Joseph Ari said the longevity and effectiveness of ITF can be attributed to its quality of leadership and staff that runs the the institution right from inception in 1971..
![ITF: Ari appreciates Buhari DG](https://i0.wp.com/www.nationalaccordnewspaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/media1508187292-800x450-1.jpg?resize=800%2C450&ssl=1)
Sir Ari said, “The fund had been blessed with seasoned technocrats, acclaimed academic and versatile administrators with clear vision and commitment to ensuring the full achievement of its mandate.
“The incumbent management in ITF unveiled a program aimed at launching a strategy for mandate actualization which has led to the training of over 500,000 Nigerians with relevant skills to be self employed and also create jobs for others.
“It must be noted that throughout the history of ITF, the fund has been reputed for its pro activeness and farsightedness, which more than anything else accounts for our longevity and relevance and our ability to successfully negotiate all the obstacles to the full actualization of our mandate.
The 50th anniversary ceremony was graced by former DG/CEO of ITF as well as some of its former directors.
Joseph Ari, ITF, Nigeria,
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