By Maudlyn Eduke
Bayelsa State Government has expressed it’s readiness to collaborate with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) in ensuring that Bayelsans are trained in several skill acquisition programmes.
The Commissioner for Labour, Employment and Productivity, Mr. Stanley Braboke disclosed this when the management of ITF, Bayelsa State, paid him a courtesy visit in Yenagoa.
Mr. Braboke noted that the administration of Governor Douye Diri is centered on creating an enabling environment that will aid the prosperity of the people.
He lauded the ITF on their commitment towards training and equipping Bayelsans with the needed skill sets that will make them thrive, adding that the 2020 National Industrial Skill Development Programme (NISDP) held in the state was a laudable achievement.
The Commissioner decried the delay in distribution of starter packs to the 105 beneficiaries of the 2020 NISDP in the state, as well as the protracted delay of their graduation.
Earlier, thw Area Manager, ITF, Bayelsa State, Mrs. Titilola Baiyere said that the delay in distribution was due to the covid-19 pandemic last year.
She however informed that the graduation ceremony for beneficiaries will be done soon and simultaneously across the country, while also disclosing that cosmetology starter packs for beneficiaries have been supplied and distribution will commence soonest.
Baiyere further stated that the annual NISDP will commence by June/ July this year, while the Upskilling of Human Capital training programme for staff of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) will hold from the 24th to 26th of March, 2021.
Also noting that the ITF is not funded by any subvention from the Federal Government, Mrs. Baiyere appealed to the Commissioner to ensure that Private Companies and Institutions, State Contractors and State owned corporations register with the ITF.
The ITF boss explained that its activities are basically funded by one percent (1%) of the annual basic salary from the organized private and public corporations.
Highlight of the meeting was the presentation of a copy of the ITF 2021 Learning and Development Brochure and other items to the Commissioner.
