Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, Convener of the Nigerian Artisans For Renewed Hope Initiative and Director General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), has congratulated President Bola Tinubu and all Nigerians on the occasion of Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary. In his independence message in Abuja, Dr. Ogun expressed appreciation for the country's continued existence despite facing numerous challenges. He commended President Tinubu's renewed hope agenda, which has positively impacted various sectors, including infrastructural development and economic revamping.
Dr. Ogun highlighted several achievements of President Tinubu's administration, including the introduction of a students loan, upgrading of primary healthcare centres, youth and women empowerment initiatives, regular payment of salaries to civil servants, agricultural development, and strengthening of the nation's security apparatus. He urged Nigerians to remain hopeful as the country moves towards recovery, peace, and sustainable development. Dr. Ogun also acknowledged the challenges Nigeria has faced since independence but noted that the country has recorded significant progress.
The ITF, under Dr. Ogun's leadership, has trained and empowered hundreds of thousands of Nigerian artisans through its Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) Programme over the last three years. He reiterated the administration's commitment to consolidating on the successes recorded so far in skills development among Nigerian artisans. A Train the Trainers Capacity Workshop, certified by a British body, is currently underway in Abuja as part of ITF's efforts to enhance skills development for Nigerian artisans nationwide.
To ensure the beneficiaries of the SUPA Programme are productively engaged, the ITF has put measures in place, including Business Incubation. The ITF is also collaborating with the Bank of Industry (BOI) and other financial institutions to enable SUPA Programme beneficiaries to access finance and start their businesses after graduation. Dr. Ogun advised Nigerian artisans to mobilize support for the reelection of President Bola Tinubu, enabling him to consolidate on the gains of the SUPA Programme.
Dr. Ogun emphasized the importance of effectively supporting the policies and programmes of President Tinubu's administration, noting that the ongoing reforms require time and sustained commitment to deliver results. He expressed confidence that with continued support, the administration can achieve its goals and positively impact the lives of Nigerians, particularly artisans and youths.
The SUPA Programme has had a significant impact on Nigerian artisans, providing them with the skills and empowerment needed to start and grow their businesses. With the ITF's collaboration with financial institutions, beneficiaries can now access finance and become self-employed, contributing to the country's economic growth and development.
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, Dr. Ogun's message serves as a reminder of the country's progress and challenges. With a focus on skills development, economic growth, and youth empowerment, the administration is working to build a brighter future for Nigerians, and Dr. Ogun's efforts are playing a significant role in this endeavour.
Key points
- Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun congratulates President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians on Independence Day, highlighting administration's achievements.
- ITF has trained and empowered hundreds of thousands of Nigerian artisans through its Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) Programme.
- Dr. Ogun advises Nigerian artisans to mobilize support for the reelection of President Bola Tinubu.
