Earlier this week, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Nigeria’s former Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment and current Minister of State for Finance, graced the ITF-NECA Stakeholders’ Dialogue Forum and the Outstanding Trainees Award Ceremony (2023/2024). The event brought together key industry stakeholders, trainers, and beneficiaries of various industrial skill-building initiatives across the country.
Dr. Anite expressed her admiration for the remarkable progress of the Skill Up Artisan Program (SUPA) – an initiative conceived during her tenure at the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. What began as a strategic effort to uplift young artisans has now evolved into a flagship Technical Skills Development Programme, empowering thousands of young Nigerians with the competencies needed to thrive in today’s labour market.
She commended the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) for its unwavering commitment to equipping young people with practical, industry-relevant skills, describing SUPA’s transformation as “a beacon of hope for young Nigerians seeking opportunities to unlock their potential.” The programme’s continued success, she noted, reflects the broader national objective of nurturing a skilled workforce that can drive Nigeria’s economic growth.
The ceremony also celebrated outstanding trainees from the 2023/2024 cycle, individuals who have demonstrated resilience, excellence, and dedication throughout their training. Dr. Anite congratulated the awardees, highlighting their role as emerging contributors to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
She further acknowledged the ITF, NECA, and partner organizations for their sustained efforts in promoting technical skills development and strengthening Nigeria’s artisan ecosystem. Their collaboration, she emphasized, is instrumental in shaping a future where young Nigerians are empowered, employable, and positioned for long-term success.
