NAN-HE-13
Programmes
By Martha Agas
Jos, Dec. 21, 2017 (NAN) The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) said its empowerment programmes which engaged no fewer than 70,000 youths assisted in curbing insurgency, restiveness and migration as it provided source of livelihood for the trainees.
Mr Joseph Ari, the Director-General of the Fund, said this at the graduation of 70 trainees of culinary art of its Technical Skills Development Programme (TSDP) on Thursday in Jos.
The D-G said that such social vices served as obstacles for rapid development in any society as idle youths were mostly the prey in such illegal migration.
“It is worrisome that hundreds of Nigerians are deported everyday now because they are desperate for better lives abroad.
“We plead with organisations to partner with us to train these youths on technical skills.
“When this is done, even when they even leave the shores of the country, they will generate revenue for Nigeria both at home and abroad for developmental projects as authorities in such skills,“ he said.
Ari said that the programme was in partnership with Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) and had more than 24 public and private participating organisations to equip participants with technical and vocational skills.
He told the graduate that they have a large market because the hospitality business was on the rise as `man must eat`, pointing out it also indicates more healthy families for a productive economy.
Mr Segun Oshinowo, the D-G of NECA, congratulated the beneficiaries while tasking them to discharge their duties diligently.
Oshinowo represented by Mrs Nike Ajala, the Deputy Director, Abuja Liaison Office, said that more than 1,000 youths applied for the limited allocation but only 70 became successful, stressing that it was a privilege.
Ms Hirhyel Dibal, the best graduating trainee, commended ITF for the platform to learn, saying the two weeks internship at hospitality outlets exposed them to experience and employment opportunities.
She appreciated the instructors for the knowledge and skills impacted on them, saying they could work both at home and abroad.
The participants were the first batch of the Culinary Art in Plateau and were trained for three months. (NAN)
MAA/OIF/GY
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Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Grace Yussuf