Experts Seek Improved Synergy Between ITF, Industries

Omolabake  Fasogbon

Constant communication between the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and industries has been deemed important to keep operations ongoing and support economic growth.

Some experts who made this known during the ITF Abeokuta Breakfast Meeting with Stakeholders in Ota, Ogun State, also asserted that strengthened synergy between both parties would also help curb the menace of companies exiting the country.

Speaking at the meeting with the theme, “Building Capacity to Thrive in a Rapid Evolving Economy,” the General Manager (HR) Crown Pack Nigeria Ltd, Chris Uzoalu, noted that stakeholders’ engagement was vital to bridging information gap between the ITF and industries as well as enhancing capacity building. 

He said, “We have come to understand that without capacity building, the factories cannot be sustained and if factories cannot be sustained, it will be difficult to save communities.”

Also, the Permanent Secretary Bureau of Public Service, Mr. Adebowale Oyeneye, stressed that opportunities and challenges in present economy especially skills gap, maintaining that collaboration between public and private sectors remained crucial to bridge skills gap needed for resilient and adaptable workforce.

In addition, he sought dedicated funding for Research and development (R&D), vocational training and STEM education to prepare individuals for future of work.

He also advised on upskilling of skilled workforce such that aligns with industry needs, support for start-ups and entrepreneurs as well as implementing robust monitoring and evaluation to assess the effectiveness of capacity-building initiatives.

In her welcome address, Area Manager and Deputy Director of the ITF Abeokuta Area Office, Mrs. Bolanle O. Ajibade, identified the fund’s core mandate to facilitate, champion and foster skills development within the Nigerian industrial and commercial landscape. 

She reiterated the fund’s commitment to empowering young people in Ogun state through several initiatives, including the ITF-National Economic Recovery Growth (ITF-NERGP) aimed at training 100 Ogun indigenes on different skills type, such that will mitigate youth restiveness and alleviate poverty.