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The Federal Government, through the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering artisans and technicians from the grassroots to meet global standards, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Dr. Afiz Ogun, Director-General of the ITF, made this known during the official opening of the Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) Zonal Rally in Kano State. The event was aimed at raising awareness about the programme across Nigeria’s North-West region.
Dr. Ogun, represented by a former Zonal Director of the ITF, Alhaji Muhammad Aminu, stated that the SUPA initiative is designed to transform artisans’ skills into sustainable livelihoods and make them employers of labour. He explained that the programme seeks to restore dignity to skilled work while equipping artisans with essential competencies that strengthen the nation’s economy.
The North-West Zonal Director of ITF, Dauda Mshelizah, noted that the SUPA programme has achieved remarkable success since its inception. He said the initiative targets artisans across trades such as electrical installation, plumbing, carpentry, tailoring, and agriculture. According to him, beneficiaries were selected on merit and trained at accredited centres.
Mshelizah also urged beneficiaries to pass on their skills and knowledge to others to promote national development.
Similarly, the Director of Technical Skills and Vocational Training at ITF, Mrs Nancy Ekong, said the SUPA programme helps artisans attain international standards, encourages talent export, and enables participants to become employers of labour.
Participants described the programme as timely and impactful, highlighting its benefits in creating professional networks and improving their trade skills.
