NO fewer than 4,500 youths have been empowered and given working tools by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) in Sokoto State.

The Director-General of ITF, Sir Joseph Ari, disclosed this at the closing ceremony of the National Industrial Skills Development Programme (NISDP) on Wednesday in Sokoto.

Ari represented by ITF Area Manager in charge of Sokoto and Kebbi States, Mr Dauda Mshelizah, said NISDP was one of the numerous skills intervention programmes under the fund introduced in 2013.

He said the programme was introduced to facilitate the achievement of the Federal Government’s policy on job creation among youths to promote self-reliance.

The director general said at present, 105 youths had been trained on fashion designing, Cosmetology and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

He, therefore, urged the participants to utilise the opportunity provided to transform themselves and further appreciated President Muhammad Buhari’s economic diversification policies.

The  Secretary to Sokoto State Government, Alhaji Sa’idu Umar, commended ITF for the efforts and assured that the state government would continue to partner with the agency on various skill development programmes.

The ITF’s Head of Training, Mr Muhammad Jibrin, thanked the state government for the support and urged officials to continue the development of the state and nation at large.

Some of the beneficiaries, Marliyya Ahmad, Jamilu Umar and Shehu Bello expressed appreciation for the support and described the gesture as a boost to their lives.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that participants received start-up packs which included tailoring machines, laptops and cosmetology equipment at the event. (NAN)

– MAY 05, 2021 @ 14:25 GMT