Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, the Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), has revealed that the organization is actively nurturing a new generation of entrepreneurs by providing cutting-edge skills to over 500,000 Nigerians across the country. He shared this information at the closing ceremony of the 2023 National Industrial Skills Development Programme in Abuja.
Ogun emphasized that the ITF has been at the forefront of developing numerous skills intervention programs, strategically designed to address unemployment and poverty challenges in Nigeria. These initiatives, he stated, also play a pivotal role in promoting entrepreneurship and mitigating youth restiveness, aligning with the federal government’s policy of economic diversification.
“The commitment to skills acquisition is based on the fact that it is the most sustainable solution to combating unemployment, reducing poverty, and addressing youth restiveness in the country,” remarked Ogun. He expressed concern over the current state of unemployment in Nigeria, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions to prevent social issues such as crime.
As part of the organization’s efforts to contribute to the national agenda, Ogun called for ITF to become a catalyst for national growth by expanding its activities and impact on the economy. He underscored the importance of a renewed focus and direction for ITF to align with the policies and goals of the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu.
Ogun commended the tangible and impressive evidence of the government’s commitment to boosting the economy through the Renewed Hope Agenda, urging Nigerians to collaborate in fostering the growth and development of the country.
