Over 3,700 youths from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory have been empowered by the Industrial Training Fund under the National Economic Growth and Recovery Programme of the Federal Government.

The two-month programme provided hands-on training and entrepreneurship development skills in various trades and vocations, including carpentry, catering, tiling, welding and fabrication, and electrical installation and maintenance. This initiative aims to equip Nigeria’s youths with essential trade skills to boost the nation’s economy.

Organised in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning, the programme was held simultaneously across the states and the FCT and 100 candidates were trained in each state across the federation.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of recent participants in Lagos, the Director General of ITF, Dr Afiz Ogun, represented by the Training Manager of the Industrial Skills Training Centre in Ikeja, Mr James Fanope, expressed satisfaction with the high quality of training participants received.

He stated that the new knowledge would greatly help them excel in their chosen vocations.

A hundred youths benefited from the scheme, receiving certificates and National Occupational Standard Certificates regulated by the National Board of Technical Education and Business, as well as starter packs to help them launch their entrepreneurial ventures.

Ogun emphasized that the training was predominantly practical rather than theoretical, with sessions conducted by experts in various trades.

He noted that the initiative aimed to drive national development and economic resilience.

“The Federal Government is committed to fostering entrepreneurial skills and supporting economic growth through various intervention programmes, including NEGRP,” he said.

The DG congratulated the participants and urged them to apply the knowledge they gained effectively in their communities.

Some participants commended the organisers for the opportunity to acquire valuable skills, highlighting the systematic and intensive nature of the training.

Ms Khadijat Adetutu, a catering trainee, said the program exceeded her expectations.