FG Expresses Concern Over Rising Unemployment, Poverty In Nigeria

Amid rising unemployment and poverty in Nigeria, the federal government has urged the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) to step up efforts.

Niyi Adebayo, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, made the appeal yesterday in Jos during the 2021 ITF merit award.

“From the scorecard presented earlier, it is obvious to me that rather than allow the weight of your achievements to lull you into complacency or to rest on your oars, you have become more vibrant and determined in pursuit of your mandate,” the minister said, represented by Nagogo Mohammad.

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It is not surprising to me given the Fund’s track record since President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR took office.

“I am aware that in the last six years you have implemented several life-changing skills intervention programmes and other initiatives that have equipped thousands of Nigerians with employability and entrepreneurship skills.

Also, the Fund played a key role in the implementation of the MSMEs Survival Fund, which was introduced by the Federal Government to cushion the effect of the pandemic on Nigerians.

In order to grow the national economy and address other issues facing our country today, the Federal Government expects more from agencies like the ITF.

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Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong acknowledged that his state has benefited greatly from the Fund’s skills intervention programmes, especially under the current Director General, Sir Joseph Ari.

“According to my records, over 4000 youths and women from the state have benefited from the ITF’s National Industrial Skills Development Programme (NISDP), Women Skills Empowerment Programme (WOSEP), Passion to Profession Programme (P2PP), Agripreneurship, Art of Culinary and Information Skill Empowerment Programme (ISEP), among others,” said Governor Abdullahi.