FG FG Warns Launches ITF Trainees 2nd Against Phase of Selling MSMEs Starter Clinic Packs RAINING MANDATE A publication of the Industrial Training Fund VOL.1 NO. 1 SEPTEMBER, 2017

Go Out There, Set Up On Your Own -Ari Charges WOSEP Beneficiaries WINGS 2 FLY

Like birds need wings to fly, you also need skills to survive and be productive. Acquire relevant skills that will give you the edge to be employed, freedom to be self-employed and even an employer. In this way, you also will be contributing to the development of Nigeria's economy. The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has repositioned and offers quality training at its Skills Training Centres nationwide. No matter the level of your education, ITF can train you to acquire skills in areas like: Information & Communication Technology Mechatronics Electronics & Computer Networking Culinary Metal Machining Agriculture Transform yourself; acquire a skill so you can fly. Be a valuable Nigerian youth; say no to unemployment and poverty. For further information contact our Area Offices nationwide or visit our website:www.itf.gov.ng

Industrial Training Fund ...Developing the Nation’s Human Resource News Go Out There, Set Up On Your Own – Ari Charges WOSEP Beneficiaries he Director-General of the Industrial Training TFund, Sir Joseph N. Ari has charged the beneficiaries of the Fund's WOSEP to aspire to be entrepreneurs rather than paid employees. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Women Empowerment programme (WOSEP) held at the Women Multi-Purpose Centre in Jos, Ari enjoined the 66 beneficiaries, drawn from all the senatorial districts of Plateau state, not to sell their starter packs but rather “go out there and set up on your own and at the end of the day The Director General, ITF, Joseph N. Ari presenting a starter pack to a beneficiary of the Women Skills Empowerment Programme (WOSEP) in Jos. grow SMEs and even MSMEs”, a sector he noted employs more efforts to equip the youth with up packs, instead of opening their than 70 per cent of the Nation's technical skills, the Industrial businesses. population. Training Fund is installing modern Lalong, who was represented by The WOSEP, he said was a pet equipment at the Government Mrs. Rufina Gurumyen, the programme of the ITF deliberately Technical College, Jos, to shore up Commissioner of Women Affairs designed to equip the vulnerable the quality of its products. and Social Development, advised women of the society with life- “Technicians are key to the growth the beneficiaries to train at least long skills for self-employment, of any economy; their shortage has one person per year. and even employers of labour. a f f e c t e d t h e N i g e r i a n Also speaking, Mr. Haggai Gutap, He said the programme was part of Industrialization dream and that is Director-General Plateau State the Quickwins of the ITF why we are intensifying efforts to Small and Medium Enterprises Reviewed vision and was intended enhance the quality of technicians D e v e l o p m e n t A g e n c y to drive the President Muhammed from the institution, with the (PLASMEDA), said that the Buhari's policy on Socio-economic obsolete technology the school organisation would sponsor more empowerment programmes. Sir uses, it is no wonder that the participants in the next phase. Ari said that at least 30 women students keep lagging behind in Mrs Ladi Izang, one of the each were trained in 12 states practical skills: we want to change beneficiaries, who was trained in across the six geo-political zones that” he said. poultry production, thanked the and thanked the Plateau State Ari, who expressed fears that the ITF for the kind gesture and Government for sponsoring 36 economy would collapse if there promised that the beneficiaries additional participants in three were no quality technicians to would be pace setters in societal trade areas namely: poultry, events move it, said that the ITF was growth. management and cosmetology. committed to producing highly The National Agency for Food, He appealed to the graduands not to skilled youths to explore Drugs Administration and Control sell their starter packs and opportunities in the emerging (NAFDAC) promised a 50 percent promised that if the graduands did industrial sector. discount in the registration fees of well, they would be assisted to In his remarks, Gov. Simon WOSEP beneficiaries, to enable form cooperatives in order to Lalong, said that a monitoring team them register their Small and secure financing from financial had been set up to ensure that the Medium Enterprises without much institutions. beneficiaries did not sell their start- stress. The DG disclosed as part of further 1 News CONTENT

News Go out there, set up on your own- Ari...... 1 FG warns ITF trainees against selling starter packs ...... 6 ITF opens more offices for ease of business...... 9 ITF Launches Online Pay-portal ...... 9 FG Launches second phase of MSMEs Clinic...... 12 ITF seeks stakeholders support for SIWES...... 26 NITAD to clampdown on unregistered Organisations...... 27 Dr. Otuwarikpo crowned Eze of Upata Kingdom...... 27

Interviews: MSMEs are Engines of Growth...... 7 Regulatory Bodies should do more Sensitization on SIWES...... 22

Features My Appointment is an Act of God...... 4 Media Owners must Domesticate Safety Measures...... 14 Sir Joseph N. Ari: 365 days as DG ITF...... 15 ITF @ 46: Driving FG’s Economic Diversification ...... 18 The New World Order, According to President Trump...... 21 Let’s talk about Hepatitis...... 23 Food and Nutrition Challenges in Nigeria...... 24

EDITORIAL TEAM PUBLISHER: Sir Joseph Ari KSM

Editor-In-Chief Suleyol Fred - Chagu

Deputy Editor-in-Chief Tom Ngor

Associate Editors Managing Editors Staff Writers Pam G. Tiri Yusuf K. Dabis Zayyad Mohammed Esse Onoyoade Dalhatu Suleiman Mary Yampin Vincent Yahuan Opegbemi A. Olaniran Thomas Bajeh Assistant Editors Ebere C. Otutubuike Ogu Francis Enebi Esther Goyomma Senior Staff Writers Akande Martha Desmond Osokpor Fatoye Sunday

Secretary: Sarah Lohya Venmak Photographer: Ayo Sumbo

The ITF and the Editor-in-Chief of Training Mandate do not necessarily agree with the views and comments expressed in this publication and do not accept responsibility for any personal opinion stated therein.

2 Profile Profile of the Director-General/Chief Executive of the Industrial Training Fund ir Joseph Ari was born on the 21st of December, 1960. He is Sa holder of the West African School Certificate, Diploma in Broadcast Journalism, Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Post Graduate Diploma in Management. He also holds a degree in Law (LL B (Hons.), a Masters Degree in Law LLM, and Masters Degree in Business Administration (MBA). His working career spans a period of over two decades, covering different spheres of disciplines and human endeavour. Sir Ari started broadcasting from the scratch at the Plateau Broadcasting C o r p o r a t i o n a s a N e w s Reporter/Presenter; had a stint with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria Lagos as a Newscaster and subsequently moved over to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) as a News Editor/Caster. His working career took him to the National Insurance Corporation of Nigeria,(NICON) where he was the Public Relations Manager, North. Sir Joseph Ari was also the Director of Press and Public Affairs to two Sir Joseph N. Ari Governors of Plateau State before Director General, Industrial Training Fund his appointment as the Sole Administrator and later General he introduced the re-branding Administration Institute and a Fellow of Manager of the Plateau Publishing philosophy which saw members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Company, (PPC) Jos. Thereafter, he staff re-oriented to provide quality Relations, NIPR. Recently, he was reassigned to the Plateau Radio service to Clients of the Fund. The concluded two terms as a member of the Television Corporation, (PRTVC), policy also engaged external Institute's Governing Council. as General Manager. To date, he stakeholders, thus paving the way He has attended various management remains the first Plateau citizen to for increased support and and professional courses both within and have headed the two state media c o l l a b o r a t i o n f o r s m o o t h outside the country. He has also bagged outfits at different times. implementation of the ITF Act. many awards of professional excellence Sir Ari completed the cycle of his Sir Ari was also at different times from different Agencies, bodies and public service at the state level when the Director of Administration and organisations. he was appointed Permanent Human Resource Department, A devout Christian, Sir Ari, is a Knight Secretary in charge of Government Corporate Planning Department of the Catholic Church of the Order of House Administration; a position he and the Director Business Training St.Mulumba (KSM), where he has held held until his appointment by the Development Department at the positions as Chancellor and Grand Federal Government as a Director in ITF Headquarters. Knight of the Order. the Department of Public Relations, He is a member of the Nigeria His works of charity are numerous, but External Affairs and Publicity of the Union of Journalists, NUJ, a he prefers to engage in such activities Industrial Training Fund, ITF, a member of the Nigerian Institute of quietly and with little publicity. grade 'A' Parastatal under the aegis Management (NIM), member of Married to Lady Victoria Ari with five of the Federal Ministry of Industry, the Advertising Practitioners boys, his watch word is humility, while Trade and Investment. Council of Nigeria, APCON, a his motto is “This too shall pass away”' As the Director of Public Relations, F e l l o w o f t h e C o r p o r a t e drawn from a biblical verse.

3 Inaugural Speech My Appointment is an Act of God

oday is the day that have noted that the the lord has made, President has charged Twe rejoice and are members of his cabinet glad in it. to think outside the box On behalf of my dear wife, and I expect nothing less Lady Victoria Ari and my from you. We must be entire family, I wish to innovative because we e x p r e s s o u r d e e p a r e m e a n t t o b e appreciation to the President shoulders above other and Commander in Chief of persons that we are the Armed Forces of the meant to develop. We Federal Republic of Nigeria, must be able to work in President Muhammadu such a way and manner Buhari, GCFR, for the that will develop the confidence reposed in me human capital to revamp and for giving me the and reinvigorate the opportunity to serve our industries once dear country, Nigeria. more. Distinguished Ladies and We pride ourselves as Gentlemen, I view my the 3Es-experienced appointment as an act of staff with great expertise God. And for me, this is a a n d a n e x p a n s i v e homecoming to my home in network- and we can the Industrial Training only portray this in our F u n d , a n d i t i s a n activities. I am very glad opportunity for me as a that my brother, Onuoha member of the ITF family to has talked about the further unite it. r e l e v a n c e o f t h e I have been a faithful Sir Joseph Ari Industrial Training member of that ITF family Fund. The ITF is one and I have contributed my have seen it in Germany through the agency that has a quota to the progress in the Industrial German Experience; we have seen it in fantastic network across the country. We Training Fund severally through my Singapore through the ITEES; we have must be able to harness that and pull our membership of various committees such seen it in Canada through the ACCC we human and intellectual resources so that as the ones that fashioned out the ITF have seen it in the United Kingdom, we will give the best to our nation because Blueprint, the 10-year Strategic Plan, the Malaysia and Japan. How did they do it? our nation deserves nothing but the best amendment of the Act in 2011, the They used agencies similar to the from us. expansion of the present structure of the Industrial Training Fund in their countries Ladies and Gentlemen, this management Fund leading to the 10 Departments and 4 through Human Capital Development will be transparent and accessible and I Units structure, the 4-year Road Map and that is the key mandate of the wish to call on all of you to come on board among so many other policy documents. Industrial Training Fund. Anything done so that we justify this confidence that Mr. Ladies and Gentlemen, we are presently outside skills development; development President and the entire people of the in an economic recession, which no doubt of Human Capital cannot work. That is country have placed on us. is a global phenomenon. That one sure way out of this recession. I like to thank the Management for notwithstanding Nigeria remains the r. President and Nigerians as a holding forth and I also like to thank the Giant of Africa. whole expect a lot from us; entire staff for their co-operation as I And to my mind, I am excited about this they expect a lot from the solicit same from all of you so that M together we can move the ITF to greater appointment; I am excited because it is in Industrial Training Fund and we cannot difficult and challenging times that the afford to betray the trust that is given to us. heights. We are partners in progress. I am tough gets going and I believe that we can We must note that our activities must be only the primus inter pares-I am only the get around and get out of the recession. carried out with utmost commitment and first among equals. We are all going to And to me, I very strongly believe that total dedication. come together and I will grant the Nigeria can get out of this recession I, therefore, call on the management and leadership, give the direction and we will through the faithful implementation of the the entire staff of the ITF and other key move together. ITF mandate and with the support of other stakeholders to contribute innovative Ladies and Gentlemen, I thank you all for key stakeholders. ideas. The time has come for us to really coming out en masse to give me this We have seen it before in other climes. We come together as a family and do wonderful reception. May God continue have seen it in Brazil through SENAI; we something meaningful and different. I to bless our collective aspirations.

4 4 Handing/ Taking over in Pix In the beginning...

The Acting Director General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Sir Ari signing the Handing over notes as he assumes duty as Director welcoming the newly appointed Director General, Sir Joseph Ari to the General/Chief Executive of the Industrial Training Fund. ITF Headquarters Complex.

Sir Ari being introduced to the ITF Management The newly appointed DG, Sir Ari (L) receiving the handing over notes from Mr. Onuoha.

The Acting Director General, (M) leading the newly appointed Director Group Photograph of the new DG and the Management of the ITF General (DG), Sir Ari into the ITF Headquarters Complex.

5 News PASSION TO PROFESSION GRADUATION FG Warns ITF Trainees Against Selling Starter Packs

The Hon. Min. of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar (M), and the DG ITF, Sir Joseph Ari, presenting an industrial sewing machine to a graduand of the ITF Passion to Profession Programme

he Minister of State for development. Abubakar added that the Federal I n d u s t r y, T r a d e a n d “I know the ITF is a part of the Bank of Government had paid priority attention TInvestment, Hajiya Aisha Industry's programme; so when you to the revitalisation of the industry due Abubakar, has warned trainees of the get into problems, don't sell your to its huge job creation potential. ITF’s Passion to Profession equipment. When you run into The Director-General of the ITF, Sir programme not to sell the equipment problems, go back to the ITF to refer Joseph Ari, said the graduates were the given to them by the organisation. you to where you will get access to first set of the 100 youths who would be Abubakar, who gave the warning in finance so that your dream is realised. trained. Abuja during the graduation “This is not the time for us to be joking; Ari said the training would be in five ceremony of the 'Passion to we need to be serious and we need to sit batches, adding that the ITF was Profession' training programme up; we have over 70 million people that emulating the Brazilian model, which conducted by the ITF, said no amount have nothing to do and we want you to used mobile workshops to train youths. of hardship should make them sell be leaders in this particular segment.” their equipment as doing so would He said it was one of the special defeat the purpose of the skills She said youths in crisis-prone areas in intervention programmes to drive the acquisition programme. the North-East would soon benefit Federal Government's Economic from the National Cotton, Textile and Recovery and Growth Plan. She said rather than sell the Garment Policy. equipment to raise money, they Ari stated that the Fund had designed should approach the Bank of Industry The Minister said in the next three strategies to enable it to achieve its through the ITF for loans at a single- months, the youths in the North-East mandate through the use of mobile digit interest rate to expand their would be trained in sewing, garment- workshops. businesses. making and image consulting. He added that the ITF was ready to Abubakar said, “To promote the She said the policy was aimed at provide dynamic and proactive services policy, we need to focus on skill r e v i t a l i s i n g t h e g r o w t h a n d aimed at achieving its mandate in line acquisition because the Small and development of the cotton, textile and with the government's agenda. Medium Enterprises are key to garment industry.

6 Interview MSMEs are Engines of Growth fter the launch of the the ITF reviewed vision MSMEs Clinic in Jos by the especially as it affects the AVice President, Prof. Yemi MSMEs? Osinbajo, the Director General of Like I earlier mentioned, the plan the Industrial Training Fund, Sir has three phases – quick wins, Joseph Ari fielded questions from medium term and long term goals. selected journalists on what the ITF Under the Quick wins, the ITF is doing and will do to ensure a intends to implement strategies vibrant MSMEs sub-sector. that will boost job creation, reduce EXCERPTS: poverty and create wealth. Most of Question: During the launch of the them have strong bearing on the 4th MSMEs Clinic in Jos by the Vice M S M E s . I n t h e a r e a o f President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo Agriculture, which was the recently, one of the Agencies that m a i n s t a y o f N i g e r i a a t was mentioned prominently as a independence, and a key key facilitator of the programme component of the economic was the Industrial Training Fund, diversification agenda, for what is your Agency doing in the instance, the Fund intends to light of the Vice President's develop the capacity of Nigerian charge? farmers along the agricultural Answer: Thank you for your value chain. Specific areas question. The mandate of the targeted by the plan include fish Industrial Training Fund imposes on farming, poultry production, crop us the responsibility to provide and production, Agric-mechanization, promote the acquisition of skills in Agric-business and post-harvest order to generate a pool of qualified Sir Joseph Ari management, manure production, Nigerians to man all sectors of the t e c h n o l o g y a n d f a r m National economy. This is the mandate we are targetted at driving the sub-sector. For management, and water resource have been charged with, and have pursued instance, over the last few years, the Fund management. all through the years of our existence. has been implementing a skills acquisition To actualise this, the Fund has concluded he MSMEs is one sub-sector that programme, the National Industrial Skills plans to commence the training of 17,000 h a s b e e n g i v e n c r i t i c a l Development Programme that is targetted unemployed youths using its Industrial Tconsideration in this pursuit. Our at equipping Nigerians with skills for Skills Training Centre (ISTC) in Kano and emphasis on the development of the employability and entrepreneurship. the Centre for Excellence in Jos and MSMEs is premised on the belief that they Since it commenced in 2012, the undeveloped lands owned by the ITF in are the engines of growth of any economy programme has trained over 90,000 states for the establishment of – be they developed or developing. Most Nigerians. Another phase of the demonstration farms. of the countries that are today considered programme is currently on-going and will This is even as efforts have been stepped part of the first world like Brazil, China, train 9,000 Nigerians across 36 states of up for the acquisition of land in 8 States – India and Singapore to mention but a few, the federation and the FCT. A key Anambra, Benue, Kano, Plateau, Gombe, rode on the back of a vibrant and strong component of the programme is business Oyo, Ogun and Niger for the same MSMEs sub-sector to be what they are education – how to manage your business, purpose. The Fund will actively seek today. In most countries, they (MSMEs) how to develop business plans, source collaboration with States' Ministries of are the highest GDP earners and highest finance and basic accounting. Agriculture, existing local farmers, employers of labour. n addition, we encourage states that farmers' association like Fadama Project In Nigeria, for instance, it contributes are benefitting from the programme for farm equipment, seedlings and about 48.7% to the GDP and employs over Ito support their indigenes that are capacity building and also explore the 59 million Nigerians. It is, therefore, a participating in the programme with possibility of financial grants from critical sector that could only be ignored at starter packs. Our target is to ensure that International and Local Agencies our own peril, especially now that the our trainees become entrepreneurs rather including Food and Agriculture country is striving to create jobs and than employees. Organization (FAO), Central Bank of combat unemployment, ensure the Similarly, in the ITF Reviewed Vision: Nigeria and Bank of Industry amongst environment for inclusive growth and Strategies for mandate actualization, a others. The emphasis of the plan on generally diversify the economy. home grown 6-year plan that management agriculture is premised on the conviction Coming back to your question as to what unveiled on my assumption of duty, the that to achieve food security and conserve the ITF will do and is doing in view of this development of MSMEs sub-sector the huge foreign reserve that is currently renewed effort by the Federal occupies a prominent place. The plan has expended on the importation of food Government to unlock the MSMEs sub- quick wins, medium and long term goals. items; the requisite capacity of Nigerians sector, I would say that as the leading These are efforts that the ITF is in this area must be developed. capacity building institution in Nigeria, undertaking. The presidential charge is, In addition, in view of soaring we perhaps had realized the importance of therefore, a validation of our efforts and unemployment, especially among the the MSMEs earlier than most and shall spur us to do more. youth; a situation that has been made commenced a number of initiatives that Question: Can you throw more light on worse recently by the global economic Contd on pg 8 7 Interview

MSMES are... contd. from pg 7 recession, the ITF plans to implement completed between 2018 and 2020. that you will be successful in your strategies that will directly lead to jobs. Question: What do you consider to be business without the requisite technical Our disposition is informed by the fact the most significant impediment to a and managerial skills. that even in the face of this seeming lack vibrant MSMEs sub-sector? Question: In the light of the Federal of jobs, several surveys, including those Answer: During the inauguration of the Government's emphasis on MSMEs, conducted by the ITF have indicated that National Council on MSMEs, the Vice do we see the ITF doing more? vacancies still exist in certain sectors that President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo Answer: Yes, beyond the Vice are being filled by people other than identified access to finances, access to President's charge, there are obvious Nigerians, because we lack the required markets, weak business development, problems in the National economy that technical skills. To this end, the Fund dearth of technical skills, lack of will be helped, or even perhaps be intends to develop the skills of Nigerians infrastructure and insufficient market solved by a vibrant MSMEs sub-sector. in the construction sector and the services information as major obstacles to the Take unemployment as a case in point, industry. In the construction sector, the growth of the sub-sector. From our as I had earlier mentioned, the MSMEs Fund intends to equip Nigerians with interactions with operators, the Vice are the highest employers of labour in skills in these areas: Welding and President captured the core of their the country even in the state they are Fabrication, Reinforcing Metal Works, problems. The questions that today. With the ease of financing, better Domestic Electrical Installation, immediately come to mind are these: information systems and the right Carpentry and Joinery, Tiling, Masonry, Why does it take so long for a potential technical skills, they are likely to Block and Brick Making, Plumbing and operator to secure loans in Nigeria for employ more. The MSMEs are clearly Pipe Fitting and Plaster Of Paris (POP) instance, as compared to his colleagues the most veritable vehicle for job making. According to the plan, this year in other countries? Why is it so difficult creation, national growth and alone, the ITF will train 18,500 Nigerians for him or her to secure financing or development. in the aforementioned Vocational trades even register their business? These As an institution vested with the and crafts areas using ITF Industrial challenges the Federal Government has mandate to train Nigerians, we have no Skills Training Centres and selected promised to solve, but what I think is the choice but to do more. We are beholden. satellite centres. To ensure achievement most formidable obstacle is the absence In recognition of this, we have of this ambition, the Fund will enter into a of the right skills in most operators in the concluded plans to expand our existing collaboration with agencies and sub-sector. Most of them are poorly initiatives, especially those targeted at organisations like Cement Technology educated and lack the basic knowledge capacity building for MSMEs. Institute of Nigeria (CTIN), Nigerian of running a business and source The National Industrial Skills Institute of Builders (NIoB), Julius financing. Some are even bereft of the Development Programme (NISDP) will Berger Plc and SETRACO amongst skills to keep records. be rolled-out.in all states of the others for technical and financial It is with these in mind that all our federation and the FCT at the same time. assistance. training, particularly those targeted at With time, we may also consider the For the Services industry, the ITF will the MSMEs have business management possibility of running several streams build the capacity of Nigerians in 17 elements. Under the NISDP, a 3-month within a single phase so that more Vocational trade areas including; GSM skills acquisition programme that is Nigerians will benefit. repairs, Generator repairs, Computer directly targetted at instilling the youths The Technical Skills Development Hardware repairs, Software installation, with skills for employability and Project (TSDP) will also be expanded to Marketing, Catering services, Events entrepreneurship, several weeks of the more centres from its present 16 while Management, Automobile and Tri-cycle programme are dedicated to teaching stepping up our MSMEs advisory maintenance and repairs, Autotronics, trainees how to develop business plans, services. Tailoring, Air conditioning and source financing, basic accounting and As the foremost training acquisition Refrigeration maintenance and repairs, general requirements for management institution in Nigeria, we have no choice ICT Web Design, Satellite Dish of a successful business. To my mind, if MSMEs will be strengthened. Installation and maintenance, Facility this is the reason why most graduands of Question: These are clearly maintenance and repairs and Interior the scheme today are successful financially – intensive initiatives, how decoration. In all, 9,250 Nigerians will be entrepreneurs. do you fund them? equipped with these skills and may end U n d e r t h e Te c h n i c a l S k i l l s Answer: The Act establishing the ITF up as key operators in the MSMEs. Development Project (TSDP), which mandates us to collect 1% of the annual In the Medium and Long term, efforts are the ITF implements in concert with the payroll of organizations that have five in place for the formal commissioning of Nigeria Employers' Consultative staff and above, or N50million annual the Lokoja ISTC, even as plans will be Association (NECA) for the training of turnover. The Act also requires us to accelerated towards the establishment of middle level manpower and potential reimburse organizations that had 36 Industrial Skills Training Centres in entrepreneurs, business education is contributed to the tune of 50% of the one the 36 states of the Federation and the also a significant component of the one 1% they contributed, provided they meet Federal Capital Territory (FCT), three year training programme. The same the conditions for such reimbursement. Automotive Parts Production and elements have been introduced into The ITF has, therefore, been sustained Training Centres will also be established other short term technical skills on the 50 percent that remains after the in Badagry, Nnewi and Kaduna and six acquisition programmes. This is even as organizations have been reimbursed. It Centres of Advanced Skills Training for we have stepped up our engagement is difficult to manage with what is left. Employment (CASTE) that will be sited programmes with MSMEs. But like I mentioned, we have a in the six Geopolitical Zones of the All these are geared towards responsibility and we are determined to country. In addition, three specialized strengthening the sector as we believe keep our part of the bargain by Centres in Oil and Gas will also be that having access to capital and a equipping as many Nigerians with skills established. All these projects will be bankable proposal are not certainties for employability and entrepreneurship. 8 News ITF Opens More Offices For Ease of Business n a bid to improve accessibility trade areas,” he said He added that being a hub of to its services, the Industrial These trade areas, the DG technological and industrial ITraining Fund,(ITF), has e n u m e r a t e d a r e i n activities, the upgrade of Aba has opened four new Area Offices in welding/fabrication, fashion design, been prioritised. some strategic areas in the country. fish farming, ICT, domestic ITF Director General, Sir Joseph electricity, carpentry, POP making, ITF LAUNCHES ONLINE Ari, said that the new offices will beads making, GSM repairs and complement the existing ones and events management. Others are in PAY-PORTAL improve the dissemination of the areas of cosmetology, electronic s part of efforts geared information regarding the activities computer networking, poultry t o w a r d s e a s i n g t h e of the Fund. farming, tiling, block making, remittance of training Ari noted that the new Area Offices masonry, solar electricity production A contributions by liable organizations are in Owerri, Rumuokuta, Badagry and maintenance, among others. under the ITF amended Act, 2011, the and Gwagwalada, in Imo, Rivers, The DG said that the Fund is also Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has Lagos states and the Federal Capital developing training packages to launched a dedicated online pay- Territory (FCT), respectively. t r a i n y o u n g N i g e r i a n s o n portal, where all payments due to it are The DG said that the establishment agricultural mechanisation in to be processed. of the new Area Offices has p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h G a l i l e e With this development, all payments addressed persistent complaints of International Management Institute, in favour of the ITF are also to be made access to ITF services in those Israel. against generated invoices from the locations. Ari said that ITF, under his online pay-portal platform at The DG also disclosed that the management, has commenced www.payitf.com. Federal Government has approved discussions with Nigeria Employers’ Payments can be made online directly the upgrading of the ITF Model Consultative Association (NECA), from bank accounts, or at any Nigerian Skills Training Centre, Abuja, to Manufacturers Association of commercial bank. operate as an Innovative Enterprise Nigeria (MAN) and the Nigerian The online pay-portal, which is in line Institution. Association of Chambers of with recent Federal Government's Ari, who assumed office in Commerce, Industries, Mines and directive for all Federal Ministries, September 2016, said that the ITF Agriculture (NACCIMA) for Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to Model Skills Training Centre, strengthening of the Technical Skills remit their revenue to the Treasury Abuja, which is the first of its kind in Development Project (TSDP). Single Account (TSA), will afford West Africa, will award National This, he added, was in addition to the users the benefit of processing of Innovative Diploma in five trade ongoing discussions with National payments in real-time. areas. Association of Small and Medium It will also allow for online payment “Under the new management, the E n t e r p r i s e s ( N A S M E ) a n d directly from bank accounts. Industrial Training Fund has rolled Truckmasters for the training of Other benefits include online account out a new policy thrust with short, young Nigerians in business administration, access to account medium and long term goals with d e v e l o p m e n t a n d o t h e r statements and downloadable clearly spelt out strategies for technical/vocational trades. documents and forms while also implementation and deliverables. He noted that the five Industrial and allowing for production of financial For instance, we have planned the Model Skills Training Centres were and compliance reports. training of 9,500 youths from 36 meant for technological growth of The ITF further implores all its states of the federation and the FCT the country. stakeholders to take advantage of the under the National Industrial Skills According to him, Aba Area Office new online pay-portal for ease of Development Programme. These will be upgraded to an Industrial doing business with the Fund. trainees will acquire skills in 38 Skills Training Centre (ISTC). 9 2016 NISDP Flag Off 2nd Phase of 2016 NISDP in Pix

The Deputy Governor of Benue State, Engr. Benson Abounu(M), The Director-General of the ITF, Sir Joseph N. Ari delivering a The ITF DG, Sir Joseph N. Ari (Ist L) and other guests during keynote address at the NISDP flag off in Makurdi. the flag off of the NISDP in Makurdi, Benue State.

Representative of the ITF DG and Director Technical A cross section of NISDP participants in Kogi State during Vocational Skills Training Department (TVSTD), Mallam the flag off ceremony. Isiaku Shehu (L) and Deputy Governor of Gombe State Mr. Charles Illiya at NISDP flag off in Gombe.

A cross section of NISDP participants in Kebbi State during the flag off ceremony. A cross section of NISDP participants in Enugu State during the flag off ceremony.

10 Closing Ceremony of 2016 NISDP 2nd Phase of 2016 NISDP in Pix

A cross section of graduands of the 2nd phase of 2016 NISDP at the Representative of the Governor of Enugu State (1st L), representative closing ceremony in Kebbi State. of the ITF DG, Mr. Dickson Onuoha (M) and Area Manager (R) Mrs. N. Nonyelum and others admiring products made by NISDP graduands in Enugu State.

A cross section of graduands of the 2nd phase of the 2016 NISDP at the Representative of the ITF DG, and Director TVSTD, Mallam Isiaku closing ceremony in Enugu State. Shehu, presenting a certificate to an NISDP graduand at the closing ceremony in Gombe.

Invited guests inspecting products made by NISDP graduands An NISDP graduand receiving a certificate at the closing ceremony at the closing ceremony in Lokoja, Kogi State. in Gombe State.

11 News FG Launches Second Phase of MSMEs Clinic

he Federal Government has launched the second phase of the Micro, Small and TMedium Enterprises (MSMEs) clinic known as the one-stop-shop, aimed at providing a single venue for small businesses and regulatory agencies to facilitate and interact easily. The one-stop-shop, which is housed in the office of the Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency (PLASMEDA), according to the State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong is to enable upcoming entrepreneurs to make bankable proposals, learn about investment opportunities and how they can start-up businesses. Lalong, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Rufus Bature said: The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo arrives Yakubu Gowon “We shall give the enabling environment for all Airport, Heipang for the launch of the 4th MSMEs Clinic that it takes for a business to thrive in Plateau and in Jos. we intend that Plateau shall be the business hub of Nigeria, therefore, we will give every necessary assistance.” The Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Sir Joseph Ari, in his remarks, said the ITF is in partnership with agencies in Brazil, Germany and China, among others to develop Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) to boost Nigeria's economy. He said, “In ITF, we have gone to all nations of the world, especially Brazil, Germany, Singapore, China and the United Kingdom (UK). We have discovered that they fall back on MSMEs to develop their economies and we are in partnership with them. “That is why we say this is the only direction to go The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo with Director General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Sir Joseph Ari during the Launch of the Micro Small and if we are to take our country to the next level,” he Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Clinic in Jos. said. Ari implored Nigerians to partner with the Federal Government adding that President Muhammadu Buhari's economic agenda was focused on taking the country to the next level and provide jobs. Special Adviser to the Vice President on MSMEs, Tola Johnson, said the essence of the One-Stop- Shop MSMEs programme was to provide information for business development in Plateau and help youths with business ideas. Earlier, the Director-General of PLASMEDA, Haggai Gutap, said being the first state to launch the one-stop-shop in the country was due to the The Director General of the Industrial Training Fund , Sir Joseph state's impressive performance during the MSME Ari KSM explaining a point to the Vice President. Clinic in early this year. 12 MSMEs Launch in pix Launch of MSMEs Clinic in Jos

The ITF DG in rapt discussions with the Minister of State, Federal The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, inspecting products at an Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment , Hajia Aisha Abubakar. exhibition stand during the Launch.

The ITF DG exchanging pleasantries with the Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal during the Clinic.

The ITF DG and other members of the ITF management inspecting products at an exhibition stand during the Launch.

Another shot of the ITF Management and other invited guests at another The ITF DG delivering his goodwill message during the exhibition stand during the Launch. Launch.

13 For the Record Media Owners Must Domesticate Safety Measures et me begin by thanking the because of the job we Nigeria Union of Journalists perform. L(NUJ), Plateau State Chapter, B u t w h a t i s organisers of this event for giving me the Journalism? difficult task to speak on the occasion of the remembrance of our departed ournalism, also colleagues. called the pen I commend the organisers for keeping profession or the Jth alive the memory of these great and 4 estate of the realm, gallant practitioners. I must also amongst other names, commend all those who took time to run is as old as man. The features, articles and programmes to early messengers in the keep the society informed of the sad B i b l e t h a t event of ten years ago. d i s s e m i n a t e d On my way from Makurdi on Sunday, I messages, maybe were opened to page 22 of the Daily Trust the first Journalists. In Newspaper of May 14th, 2017, and I read this loose sense, the Sir Joseph Ari the contribution of Masara Kim Usman S h e p h e r d s t h a t entitled announced the birth of We are therefore gathered here today, to Remembering Plateau Fallen Christ were performing the same duties as remember these gallant compatriots and Journalists; we do today, albeit with the word of the distinguished professional colleagues of mouth and with much less sophisticated our hallowed fourth estate of the realm. For t was indeed a great piece, as he also instruments for dissemination to the hi-tech those who are guests, or are not conversant in that work paid tribute to Enenche vehicles we use today. with the sad events of that day, we are here IAdikwu, Joseph Hir, Gyang Bwede, But unlike the Shepherds whose source was to celebrate the following persons: Nathan Dabak and Augustine Simji who God Almighty, we cultivate sources, sift Mrs Judith Adama – New Nigerian have all gone to their rest ahead of us. information, dig and burrow in efforts to Newspaper; Musa Nuhu- News Agency of I, therefore, feel honoured and delighted generate accurate and factual accounts so Nigeria; Mr. Moses Ezulike – Champion that I have been invited to give a talk on as to provide our audience, including Newspaper; Mr Isaac Agbo- Nation the auspicious occasion of the 10th governments, with verified information Newspaper, Mr Emmanuel Adoniyi- memorial lecture in honour of eight that can enable them make better and sound AIT/Raypower; Sudan Lar Gorong- NTA, members of the Plateau State Chapter of decisions. Jos; Mr. James Avre- Leadership the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Journalism, therefore, is not restricted to Newspaper; Reuben Emeje- Federal who were claimed by the cold hands of merely “activity of gathering, assessing, Information. death on this day in 2007. creating and presenting news and These beautiful souls lost their lives in a The day still evokes strong memories in information” as defined by the American ghastly accident whilst on an official me as a member of the pen profession, Press Institute (API), but also serves as assignment, in Shendam, Plateau State, in and having interacted intimately with watchdogs and agenda setters and in short, the line of duty. May I, therefore, request most of the deceased either as Chief a guardian of the truth. To perform these that we rise together, to observe a one Press Secretary to Governors Fidelis responsibilities, our output is expected to minute silence in their honour. Tapgun and Mohammed Mana, and as be accurate, unbiased and apolitical and It was Thomas Jefferson, one time President General Manager, Plateau Publishing must serve the public interest. These are of the U.S who stated that “Were it left to Company (PPC) and Plateau Radio responsibilities that we are expected to me to decide whether we should have a Television Corporation (PRTVC), or as meet and strive to meet at all times. government without newspapers, or Permanent Secretary in the Government The pursuits of these, often not only put newspapers without a government, I should House. Journalists in conflict with other elements not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter”. Although, death is said to be a necessary in the society, but often requires them to dig Thomas Jefferson, may have been end, I commend the initiative of the deep and step on toes thereby earning an influenced by the obvious capacity of the Executive council and members of the endless number of enemies. Therein lies the Journalistic profession to drive the overall Plateau State Chapter of the Nigerian issues that have manifested in cold blooded growth and development of society. Union of Journalists (NUJ) for ensuring murders, physical abuse and threats. From It is perhaps this same thinking that that their memory is not forgotten. the Amakiri incident in the 70's where a influenced the drafters of the 1999 The topic that was given to me to give a journalist's hair was shaved with a razor, to Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) to talk on was, “Journalism: Risks, the gruesome murder of Dele Giwa in the devote sections of the constitution to the Responsibilities and Resilience in a 80's, the life expectancy of the journalists in protection of freedom of expression. changing world” but I have taken the Nigeria has become as low as those in the Section 39 (1) of the 1999 constitution liberty of rearranging the topic to military and the paramilitary in a strife states: “Journalism: Responsibilities, Risks ridden part of the world. “Every person shall be entitled to freedom and Resilience in a changing world”. Ten years ago today, precisely, on Tuesday, of expression, including freedom to hold The change was borne out of my belief May 16, 2007, eight of our colleagues, opinions and to receive and impart ideas and that our responsibilities as Journalists members of the Plateau State Council of information without interference” are what expose us to the risks. In other the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Subsection 2 states “ without prejudice to words, we are exposed to the risks passed on to eternal glory whilst on duty. the generality of subsection (1) of this Contd on pg32 14 Feature Sir Joseph N. Ari: 365 Days as DG ITF he turnaround of the Industrial elements of the Fund's core Training Fund (ITF) by Sir M a n d a t e , t h e F u n d TJoseph Ntung Ari, only one performed remarkably in year after he assumed duty justifies all Key Result Areas the clamour from a cross section of (KRAs). It implemented Nigerians for the appointment of 1,515 training programmes square pegs in square holes. that benefitted 37,722 Until his appointment by President Nigerians from 1,454 Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, on organisations. This is a September 26th, 2016, the agency, remarkable improvement which was established in 1971 with when compared against the the mandate to provide, promote and previous years. encourage the acquisition of skills in In addition, the Fund has industry and commerce with a view to also equipped over 25,000 generating indigenous manpower to youth with various skills meet the needs of the public and for employability and private sectors of the economy, was entrepreneurship through hanging perilously on the brink of its programmes including extinction. the National Industrial A combination of high-handedness S k i l l s D e v e l o p m e n t and outright negligence by the Programme (NISDP), the Sir Joseph Ari immediate past Management had W o m e n S k i l l s ensured that a once vibrant E m p o w e r m e n t is also the Chairman of the MSME organization could not effectively Programme (WOSEP), Training on Council. It is little wonder then that discharge its onerous mandate. Most Wheels and the Technical Skills Federal Government has found the stakeholders, including staff and Development Project (TSDP) among organisation suitable to be a member contributing employers, were, several other initiatives. What stood of the National MSME Council. therefore, understandably clearly out prominently is that unlike in the The Students Industrial Work dissatisfied and disgruntled. past, most of the beneficiaries were Experience Scheme (SIWES) has also Tackling these numerous problems given starter packs to enable them set had a feel of the DG's Midas touch. would have presented a huge up their various businesses without Despite funding difficulties, the DG challenge to most new Chief delay. within the last one year, disbursed Executives. But Sir Ari came into the Sir Joseph Ari has also won over over N3Billion Naira as students and job with an extensive and varied external stakeholders through supervisory allowances. A lot of public service experience, great confidence-building advocacy visits, planning has also been done to have a problem solving skills, a track record which have taken him to several seamless administration of the of achievements in all positions he stakeholders including State Scheme as could be seen from the had held but most significantly, a deep governments, the Media and the fallouts of the Biennial Conference of understanding of the workings of the Organized Private Sector. These have SIWES stakeholders held recently at ITF. positively impacted the once battered the Shehu Musa Yar' Adua Centre in A former Director of the ITF, he image as there is a renewed confidence Abuja with the aim of finding lasting required no bedding in period. No in the new ITF from the Federal solutions to the challenges of SIWES. sooner had he assumed duty than he Government, the Organized Private The Model Skills Training Centre set up a committee to review the Sector and other critical stakeholders. (MSTC), Abuja, has the DG to thank mandate of the Fund. The committee The buy-in of the workforce has also as it is set to graduate its first set of came up with a comprehensive and been secured as staff welfare has been Trainees after five years of robust home-grown policy document prioritized hence the prevailing uncertainty over infrastructure and called the ITF REVIEWED VISION: peaceful and conducive atmosphere in certification. All that is now history. STRATEGIES FOR MANDATE the Fund. There is no doubt that the ITF is ACTUALIZATION, which captured Another plus for the ITF DG is his witnessing a breath of fresh air under ITF's policy direction in Quick Wins, passion for the Micro, Small and the leadership of Sir Joseph Ari. He Medium Term and Long Term goals. Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sub- has so far increased the wind in the sail Already, the plan has started yielding sector. He was at the forefront for the of the ITF ship. The ITF is in safe results. In terms of direct training and launch of the MSMEs Clinics hands and is set to perform its skills acquisition, which are critical nationwide by the Vice President, who Mandate of developing the Nation's

15 Advocacy Visits Advocacy Visits in Pix

The ITF DG, Sir Joseph Ari presenting a copy of the ITF Training The ITF DG ( L), presenting a souvenir to Governor Atiku Bagudu of Brochure to Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State during Kebbi State during a courtesy visit on the Governor at Government a courtesy visit on the Governor at the Government House, Makurdi. House, Birnin Kebbi.

The ITF DG, delivering his address when he visited the Sultan of Sokoto, The ITF DG (4th left) in a group photograph with the Commandant and His Eminence, Sultan Abubakar III at his palace in Sokoto. other management members of NASME-Makurdi during a visit to the Institution.

The ITF DG presenting an ITF Plaque to the Editor/ Managing The ITF DG making a remark during his visit to MAN Headquarters in Lagos. Director of the Nation Newspaper, Mr Victor Ifijeh, when he visited the Newspaper house in Lagos.

16 Advocacy Visits Advocacy Visits in Pix

The Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong welcoming The ITF DG and other members of the ITF management being the ITF DG, to the Government House, Rayfield Jos. taken on a guided tour of Truckmasters, during a visit to the company in Lagos.

The ITF DG & Management with Governor of Imo State, Rt. Hon. Rochas The ITF DG and members of the ITF management in a group Okorocha (4th left) during a courtesy visit on the Governor at Owerri. picture with the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, during a visit on the monarch.

The ITF DG presenting an ITF plaque to the Governor of Edo State, The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Arc. Bala Bantex (3rd left) Godwin Obaseki, when he paid a courtesy visit on the Governor in with the ITF DG, when the DG visited Kaduna State Benin City. Government House.

17 Feature ITF@46: Driving FG's Economic Diversification and Industrialisation Policies Through Human Capacity Development hroughout its history, the Industrial Training Fund T(ITF), a grade A Parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, has been at the forefront of Federal Government’s initiatives designed to industrialise and grow the national economy through a ceaseless infusion of streams of qualified Nigerians necessary for the actualization of these initiatives. It was established 46 years ago; precisely on October 8, 1971 and vested with the mandate to provide, promote and encourage the acquisition of skills in industries and commerce with a view to generating a pool of indigenous trained manpower sufficient to meet the needs of the national economy; provide training for skills in management for technical and entrepreneurship development in the public and private sectors of the Nigerian economy; set training standards in all sectors of the economy and monitor adherence; evaluate and certify vocational skills acquired by apprentices, craftsmen and technicians in collaboration with relevant organizations; and Director General/Chief Executive of the Industrial Training Fund, Sir Joseph Ari administer the Students Industrial Wo r k E x p e r i e n c e S c h e m e (SIWES). human capacity development G o v e r n m e n t P rogrammes Through its numerous programmes interventions for their achievement. and recovery from economic and interventions, it has equipped To meet these fresh expectations, the recession rested on organisations such over 20 million Nigerians with ITF in 2016 thoroughly reviewed the as the Fund fully actualizing their cutting edge skills in various trades activities of the Fund and came up with mandates. and crafts that have contributed a plan that was targeted at not only The six-year plan, which commenced tremendously to National growth and radically repositioning and refocusing in late 2016 and will terminate in development. the organisation to effectively deliver 2022, was designed to aggressively But in spite of the achievements and on its mandate, but also reinventing its a d d r e s s s e r v i c e c h a l l e n g e s , strides recorded by the ITF, the approaches for the achievement of its infrastructure deficits, revenue and a assumption to power of President corporate goals and the realization of gamut of other strictures impinging Muhammadu Buhari imposed on the national goals. the actualisation of the Fund's Fund the challenge to do more, if the The Plan tagged: The ITF Reviewed mandate. It was captured in Quick country were to successfully Vision: Strategies for Mandate wins, Medium and Long term goals, negotiate the prevailing challenges Actualisation, followed several plans- with strategies and firm timelines for and drive the achievement of the the ITF Blueprint, the 10-year Strategic their achievement. economic diversification agenda of Plan and the 4-year Road Map - which According to the plan, under the the Federal Government and other the ITF had implemented within the last Quick wins, which are activities policy goals including fighting 15 years. intended to have the immediate effect corruption, provision of adequate But the ITF Reviewed Vision that was on the economy, the ITF would security for lives and property, job conceived was perhaps the most implement strategies to boost job creation/reduction of youth ambitious and comprehensive since the creation, reduce poverty and create unemployment and entrepreneurial establishment of the Fund. Its scope and wealth. In the area of Agriculture, development. breadth were premised on the firm which was the mainstay of Nigeria at belief that the success of most key Most of these goals require extensive independence, and aContd. key componenton page 19 18 Feature Cont. from page 18 of the economic diversification agenda of the Federal Government, for instance, the Fund intends to develop the capacity of Nigerian farmers along the agricultural value chain. Specific areas targeted by the plan include fish farming, poultry production, crop production, agric- mechanization, agric-business and post-harvest management, manure production, farm management and water resource management. To actualise this, the Fund, beginning from early 2017, commenced the training of 17,000 unemployed youths using its Industrial Skills Training Centre (ISTC) in Kano and the Centre for Excellence in Jos, and undeveloped lands owned by the ITF The ITF DG (1st R), the Plateau State Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, in some states for the establishment of Mrs Rufina Gurumyen and other guests inspecting WOSEP starter packs at the closing demonstration farms. This is even as ceremony in Jos. efforts were stepped up to acquire land in 8 States – Anambra, Benue, Kano, Plateau, Gombe, Oyo, Ogun and Niger- for the same purpose. The Fund is also actively seeking collaboration with States, Ministries of Agriculture, and existing local farmers, farmers' associations like Fadama Project for farm equipment, seedlings and capacity building and is also exploring the possibility of financial grants from International and Local Agencies including Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Bank of Industry (BoI) amongst others. The emphasis of the plan on agriculture was premised on the conviction that to ensure food Products by ITF Passion to Profession graduands on display at the closing ceremony of security and conserve the huge the programme in Abuja. foreign reserve that is currently expended on the importation of food items, the requisite capacity of Nigerians in this area must be developed. Already, agreements have been entered into with the Galilee International Management Institute (GIMI) of the State of Israel for the training of the internal workforce to actualize the agricpreneurship programme. In addition, and in view of soaring unemployment, especially among the youth; a situation that has been made worse recently by the global economic recession, the ITF has started implementation of strategies that will directly lead to jobs. To this end, the Fund has commenced the Products Exhibition by Graduands of NISDP on display at the closing ceremony development of skills of Nigerians in in Enugu State. the construction and the services Contd. on page 20 19 Feature Contd. from pg 19 i n d u s t r y (ISTCs) and t , s e c t o r s . s e l e c t e d Automobile T h e s e s a t e l l i t e a n d T r i - p a r t i c u l a r centres. To c y c l e sectors have e n s u r e m aintenanc b e e n achievement e a n d targeted in o f t h e s e r e p a i r s , view of the targets, the Autotronics o b v i o u s F u n d h a s , Tailoring, skills gaps entered into A i r a n d t h e i r collaboratio conditionin potential for n w i t h g a n d job creation. agencies and Refrigeratio I n t h e o rganisation construction s l i k e sector, the C e m e n t F u n d h a s Technology i n i t i a t e d Institute of The ITF DG presenting to Governor Samuel Ortom with the 2017 ITF Programmes Brochure programmes N i g e r i a while on a courtesy visit. t h a t w i l l ( C T I N ) , e q u i p N i g e r i a n N i g e r i a n s Institute of with skills in B u i l d e r s these areas: ( N I o B ) , Welding and J u l i u s Fabrication, Berger Plc M e t a l a n d W o r k s , SETRACO D o m e s t i c a m o n g s t E l e c t r i c a l others for Installation, t e c h n i c a l C a r p e n t r y a n d and Joinery, f i n a n c i a l T i l i n g , assistance. M a s o n r y, F o r t h e Block and S e r v i c e s B r i c k industry , the M a k i n g , I T F h a s P l u m b i n g committed a n d P i p e i t s e l f t o The ITF DG and his entourage on a facility tour of a company as part of his reach out programme. Fitting, and building the Plaster Of capacity of Paris (POP). Nigerians in According 1 7 to the plan, Vocational t h i s y e a r trade areas alone, the including; I T F w i l l G S M train 18,500 r e p a i r s , Nigerians in G e n e r a t o r t h e r e p a i r s , aforementio C o m p u t e r n e d h a r d w a r e vocational r e p a i r s , trades and S o f t w a r e crafts using installation, the Fund's Marketing, I n d u s t r i a l C a t e r i n g S k i l l s s e r v i c e s , T r a i n i n g E v e n t s C e n t r e s Managemen A delegation of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) on a tour Contd. on pg 28 of the ITF Model Skills Training Centre (MSTC), Abuja. 20 Feature The New World Order, According to President Trump By Ibrahim Echu Ph. D

onald John Trump is a real estate factor for unhappiness, dysfunctional financial contribution as well. mogul. He was also a Reality-TV relationships and even mental health In addition, Mr. Trump has made more DStar for many years, and still lives problems. My worry is that Mr. Trump, the than a few provocative statements about his life as though he is acting. With no new police man of the world, has his country's military capabilities since he p r e v i o u s e x p e r i e n c e i n p u b l i c exhibited high doses of neuroticism across assumed office. Here him: 'if any nation administration, Trump contested and won his life, characterized by emotional can be entitled to the possession and use of the last November presidential election in instability, depressive tendency, and nuclear power, America has more right to America, and has since been sworn in as negative emotions. do so (BBC news report, March 5, 2017)'. that country's 45th President. His By his own account, he once punched his By making such unguarded statements, opponent, Hillary Clinton – wife of a 2nd Grade Music Teacher, giving him a the US president has drawn a battle line former President - has spent all her life in black eye (McAdams, 2016). The most between his country and the rest of the public office but never tasted the fruits of recent example of Trump's show of world. With Trump on his mighty throne, any known business. Both Hillary herself madness was in October 2016 when he we should expect that, in the next few and Americans trusted she was the better reportedly encouraged Republican Party years, the international political space will candidate. They were sure she would win. supporters to rough-up protesters during witness more violence, as world leaders She, for instance, received the loudest his campaign rally, yelling 'Get 'em out of will be shouting at each other, rather than audience applause during each of the three here', or threatening that 'I'd like to punch talk to each other on the platform of presidential debates prior to the polls. On them in the face' (McAdams, 2016). He mutual respect. With world leaders being the other hand, the world doubted Mr. also referred to unsympathetic journalists so arrogantly disrespectful to each other, Trump's ability to scale through the as 'disgusting' during the campaign rally, the world will slide hopelessly into the hurdles. He was not sure himself whether and wrote off his rivals as 'Losers'. He is ugly old days of Ronald Reagan and he would deliver his Party's primaries. But also reported to have married three times George Bush II: sanctions will be imposed then, the tide of times got twisted in favour since 1977: to Ivana (1977-92; to Maria on 'criminal' countries like Iran; US of Destiny, as usual. The popular Naples (1993 - 99) and to Melenia (2005 - drones and bombs will fly over North candidate lost, the unpopular won. And Date). Asked by organizers of the Africa and parts of West Africa in search street protests have continued across the presidential debate, whether he would be of America's 'enemies'; and - you know country till this day. ready to accept the outcome of the what? - the century-old enmity between The President promised to drive election, he bluffed: 'I will accept the US and Russia will dissolve into eternal immigrants away from his country, so outcome only if I am declared the winner'. friendship because of the magnanimous their jobs could be given to the citizens. He Perhaps no US president before him has role the latter allegedly played in Trump's has done just that. Good idea. Bad idea. employed so much inflammatory or hate 'presidential victory'. The street protests are becoming larger language the way Trump is reported to Lessons and Conclusions and more regular, and Trump has made have done. With the emergence of such As the 'most powerful man on earth' settles more enemies at home and abroad. But character on the world scene, even the down to the business of policing the whole that is what highly disagreeable characters blind can now see clearly that the face of world, and as hundreds of thousands of like Trump enjoy most: they are international relations has changed for the disgruntled citizens paradoxically take to comfortable with violence. You want to worse, perhaps forever. the streets of Washington, New York and feel how nasty this President can be? Just What then, should the world be expecting other US cities to demonstrate against hear this: the American singer and Actor, from Trump's presidency? Surprises, and what they call 'anti-American policies of C h e r , o n c e s a i d s o m e t h i n g more surprises of course: policy Mr. Trump', the world must be reminded uncomplimentary about Trump, and he summersault; mass deportation of about certain facts. First, nothing replied thus on twitter 'I knocked the shit immigrants from a country that dramatically new should be expected by out of her … and she never said a thing immigrants originally helped to build; world citizens in the new world order. about me after that!' violence internationalized, as new wars Rather, the oppressive old order will I tried to put Trump on the five basic scales will be declared against innocent nations, continue to dominate world politics. of human variability - Extroversion, especially in the Arab world; doubletalk; Second, more sophisticated arms will be Neuroticism, Conscientiousness, show of madness; disdain for the women produced by technologically advanced Agreeableness and Openness, and I found folk; etc. A few examples will suffice here. nations and sold (even on credit) to Africa him standing, alas in the company of As a presidential hopeful, Trump did and the Middle East, so the local George W. Bush II, on the extreme side of foretell the collapse of European Union, populations could kill their young ones sky-high extroversion and neuroticism. but has now turned round to start who would then migrate to hell, in all People with these personality traits are preaching to European countries on the happiness. Ask the Libyans, Iraqis, troublesome and often thrive on violence. need to do everything possible to Syrians and now South Sudanese, if you Remember Iraq and Afghanistan? And strengthen their Union. He also don't understand the parable. millions of innocent lives decimated in threatened, in several campaign speeches, Third, world citizens should not expect cold blood? Now, let's go back to that America would stop making financial miracles from politicians in these crazy interpretation of high scores for contribution to NATO if he won the last times. Rather, we should look forward e x t r o v e r s i o n a n d n e u r o t i c i s m : election. Now he is pleading with other to more political surprises: unpopular psychologist explain that higher scores on members of the organization to not only candidates will be most surprised to hear neuroticism are bad; they constitute a risk pay regularly, but to increase their they have 'won' elections, while the popular, more suitable contestants will be contd. on pg29 21 Interview

SIWES Co-ordinator: The We were informed that 2012/2013 Regulatory Bodies programme itself like I said payment will soon be made, honestly, earlier is very relevant to this has really been a major problem we Should Do More students, because as a student have faced. It will be very nice if when I was to go for SIWES, government can make funds available Sensitization on SIWES it was with great excitement. for this laudable programme, it will go But as relevant as the a long way to encourage students. alem University is a privately programme was, it was not Question: With the era of owned educational institution without challenges, which was majorly digitalization, what is your opinion located in Lokoja. Its vision is to where to carry out the activities in on the idea of e-SIWES? S terms of proximity to where I lived due raise people who are spiritually alive, SIWES Co-ordinator: Digitalization mentally alert and intellectually to financial limitation. is very important in this era. At Salem developed to take the lead and change Question: How were you able to University, everything is digitalized. their world. surmount or manage the problems? Students can stay in the comfort of their The University started full operations SIWES Co-ordinator: Well the homes and register their courses on- in 2008 with three Colleges namely: problems is that of financial line, so it is important for SIWES to College of Information and constraints, I could not go to where I join this trend because the world has Technology, College of Peace Studies considered very relevant, although, I become a global village which makes and Social Sciences, and College of still got a lot of practical experience, everyone e-platform compliant. Salem Natural Applied Sciences. The School but honestly that was not my preferred University sees such as a laudable currently runs twenty- establishment, and that is what happens achievement and it is highly welcomed. nine (29) Departments. Our prayer is that let it M a r t h a A k a n d e be effective by the time recently had a chat with we embark on it. the University's SIWES Question: Do you Co-ordinator, Mr. subscribe to the idea of Usman Andrew Adaji at a cashless SIWES the School's premises. where Supervisors and Excerpts: Students are not paid? Question: As the SIWES Co-ordinator: SIWES Coordinator, Well, if we take a look at how will you evaluate the country's economic t h e S I W E S situation now, you will programme bearing in d i s c o v e r t h a t t h e mind its objectives of Government is even bridging the gap finding it difficult to pay between theory and salaries of workers at all practice? levels, be it Federal, SIWES Co-ordinator: S t a t e o r L o c a l I am a product of Government. But again, SIWES, because I if you look at it studied Chemistry while critically, this money is I w a s i n s c h o o l ; Mr. Andrew Usman not really payment for therefore, I know the students who go on importance of SIWES in this to most students, whereby they end up SIWES, it is rather a institution. We send our students out for in places most convenient rather than stipend given them to encourage them. SIWES during the second semester of where they will be most relevant I understand that in some advanced 300 level because at that stage, they because they probably cannot afford countries, there is a Scheme for youths have had so much of theories of several cost of transportation. at that level supported by the concepts. The nature of the school Question: Non-payment of SIWES Government. So I think that rather than programmes may not have had enough allowances has been the complaint of talking about cashless SIWES, we of the practicals, so the SIWES most SIWES Coordinators; what is should encourage the Federal programme helps to facilitate that. your opinion and what do you think Government to provide, or invest more They find the practical aspects of all can be done to surmount this on the educational or training sector, they have learnt very interesting from problem? considering the fact that most of the wherever they are sent to for SIWES. SIWES Co-ordinator: Yes, this has students do not enjoy bursary We actually see that, the six months on always been one major discussion at allowances. When this N15, 000.00 SIWES is worthwhile, which is to say our SIWES meetings. Some students SIWES allowance is paid to them, it that the gap has actually been bridged, have not received payment for as long boosts their morale. So, rather than and in turn makes the students as five to six years. In some cases, take going cashless, I think the Government complete. I, therefore, make bold to Salem University as an example, since should fund it more. say that SIWES is very relevant. 2012 when students officially started Question: Earlier on, you mentioned Question: You said earlier that as a participating in SIWES exercise, I do rejection as one of the problem you student, you participated in SIWES; encountered during SIWES, how in not think any of them has received any your opinion do you think this what major flaw would you say payment, or SIWES allowances but I problem can be solved? SIWES has? believe payment process is on-going. contd. on pg 23 22 Interview contd from pg 22 SIWES Co-ordinator: This issue is a topical Let's Talk About Hepatitis issue that has come up several times at our zonal Pharm.Plangnan S. Tadin meetings. It has been observed that even some establishments that have capacity to absorb these students also reject them. The SIWES epatitis is a deadly liver disease and it is hyper-endemic in sub- Coordinators have put up papers on this. The ITF saharan Africa particularly Nigeria. has promised to help tackle this problem by H In most cases it is a self-limiting disease, experts believe that about helping to secure placement for our students, 25million Nigerians may be Sero-positive to hepatitis B virus. because I feel the workers in these various The awareness of this disease is still very low among Nigerians despite the establishments feel threatened that these students fact that it is more infectious than HIV and it is a major public health problem with high prevalence in Northern Nigeria. coming for SIWES are coming to compete with The liver is one of the largest organs in the body which has no duplicate and them in their areas of expertise. However, if there the main organ implicated in hepatitis. is adequate orientation from some stakeholders, The functions of the liver includes but not limited to- a) Detoxification and elimination of waste materials enlightening them on the fact that the students are B) Breaking down drugs just coming to learn, and are not in any way taking C) Metabolizing of Nutrients, Carbohydrate and Fats. anybody's place, the problem of rejection will not D) Synthesizing proteins and much more. exist. NOW WHAT IS HEPATITIS? - Hepatitis in simple term means It is just sensitization that has to be intensified, inflammation (swelling) of the liver. although this problem is no longer what it used to CAUSES OF HEPATITIS - Hepatitis is caused by be. It is getting better. I urge all the regulatory I) Viruses II) Drugs bodies like the ITF, NUC and others to do more III) Alcohol sensitization in letting establishments know that IV) Chemicals etc they may not need to pay these students. This is TYPES OF HEPATITIS - We have about five (5) types of viral hepatitis part of the reasons why students are being rejected; namely- they should be allowed to have this practical I) Hepatitis -A experience as it goes a long way to help them in II) Hepatitis- B III) Hepatitis-C achieving successes in school. IV) Hepatitis-D Ques: What message do you have for the ITF V) Hepatitis- E Management? Hepatitis A - can be transmitted through ingestion of contaminated SIWES Co-ordinator: I want to commend the food/water, or sharing of utensils and in areas with bad or poor sanitation. ITF and categorically say that the institution has indeed been up and doing. We have had so many Hepatitis B - is a life threatening viral infection and it can be both acute/chronic in nature. It occurs as a result of parenteral contact with interactions together during which we saw that the infected body fluid. It has high prevalence in Northern Nigeria and about ITF really have dedicated staff who are working 350million people worldwide live with this Chronic disease. hard to ensure that SIWES succeeds. I, therefore, say a big kudos to the ITF Hepatitis C - transmitted through exposure to infective blood and/or other blood products. Management. I want to also appreciate the recent Transmission through sexual means is possible but not very common. efforts in ensuring that the backlog is paid to NOTE - The mode of transmission of Hepatitis B and C are the same. students and staff. It is really worth commending. Hepatitis D - Occurs only among people infected with hepatitis B and it cannot cause any damage if it exist alone because it is an incomplete virus I want to further appreciate the efforts of the Vice but it potentiates (increases) the virulence (the harmfulness or severity of a Chancellor of Salem University, Prof. Joseph disease) of hepatitis B if there is co-infection. Wapeh and his team, who have been very Hepatitis E - like Hepatitis A it is transmitted through faecal-oral route supportive by releasing money for supervision of (from stool – water –mouth) contaminated food / water or utensils as well as students on SIWES. We do not have to wait for the in areas with poor sanitary conditions. stipends to come from the ITF before carrying our NOTE: People infected with Hepatitis B and C are at risk of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. In Nigeria, liver cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer supervisory role. death accounting for over 11,000 deaths yearly contd. on pg 24 23 Feature contd from pg 23 Types of Viral Hepatitis Food and Nutrition Hepatitis A and B have vaccines but Hepatitis C has no vaccine for now. Challenges in Nigeria

RISK FACTORS (factors that Simon Ogbonna predispose people to this infection) Introduction include but not limited to- he 2006 Nigerian census puts the very suitable for the production of wide I) Use of Contaminated Country’s population at over 168m. varieties of crop and raising of livestocks. Of this number, about 70 percent of Sharp Object T the population live on less than 1USD per Nigeria is the world number one producer of II) Poor Hygiene day, thereby suffering hunger and poverty. cassava. Cassava farming in Nigeria III) Multiple Sex Partners. This is despite the nations reputation as contributes over 45 percent on Nigerian IV) Receipt of Contaminated being endowed with enormous natural and agricultural GDP. blood or blood products human resources. In 1990, it was speculated that about 82 million A constant threat to human survival is the V) Mother to Child. hectares out of Nigeria's total land area of 91 apparent difference between the rate of million hectares were found to be arable. food production and that of the growth of SYMPTOMS human population. Nigeria has about Livestock farming is a very important aspect Acute infection may occur with 79million hectares of arable land of which of agriculture in Nigeria. The Nigerian limited or no symptoms. Some of 32million is cultivated. Despite these, both community depend mostly on meat from cow crop and livestock production remain the limited symptoms include- and chicken. below potential. This is largely due to To harness and make available all produced 1. Dark urine inadequate access to high quality and right crops and livestock's in the right quality and 2. Extreme Fatigue quantity seeds, fertilizers and inefficient quantity throughout the year, there must be the 3. Nausea production systems. Despite a seven application of proper processing, preservation 4. Vomitting percent growth rate in agricultural and storage of food products. production (2006 - 2008), Nigeria's food 5. Abdominal pain A policy on food technology and security import bill has risen. The growing should be aimed at the 6. Jaundice (yellowing of the following; skin and eyes) 1. P o s t - h a r v e s t l o s s TREATMENT management. In Nigeria we say prevention is 2. Q u a l i t y better than cure, there is no i m p r o v e m e n t (quantitative and appropriate situation that this saying qualitative) of food. finds better expression than in 3. I m p r o v i n g hepatitis prevention. If prevented p r o c e s s i n g through vaccination and healthy techniques. living, then there will be no need to 4. Solving special d i e t a r y a n d go through the cumbersome and n u t r i t i o n a l expensive treatment schedule p r o b l e m s , e . g . associated with hepatitis treatment. m a l n u t r i t i o n , d i a b e t e s , Now the big question is "IS population is dependent on imported food hypertension, obesity etc. HEPATITIS CURABLE"? staples, including rice, wheat, sugar and fish. 5. Development of convenience foods YES and NO depending on the type for the grow ing urbanized According to Akinwunmi Adesina, the of viral hepatitis and the stage of the population. import bill for food in Nigeria is growing at disease. a rate of 11% per annum and Nigeria 6. Problems of presentation and spends over N1.1trillion on food packaging. Hepatitis A and E have no specific importation yearly. Akinwunmi states that treatment and they are self – limiting Nigeria imports rice worth N356 billion, P O S T - H A R V E S T L O S S E S MANAGEMENT – A PANACEA FOR in individuals whose immunity has sugar N217 billion, wheat N635 billion, fish N97 billion Guardian Newspaper FOOD SECURITY not been compromised but for 12/9/2011 page 7. immuno-compromised people Present and projected population dynamics Total available food for consumption is specific treatment with antivirals carry major implications for agriculture affected by the prevailing systems of harvesting, storage, distribution, marketing have been found to be beneficial. and food security. POPULATION DYNAMICS processing and packaging. Losses of food Hepatitis B is NOT curable but it's grains in storage due to infestation by insects preventable by vaccination Population in 2011: 162 million people bacteria, fungi and rodents are estimated at Population in 2050: between 230 and 430 Hepatitis C is curable but not about 30 – 40% of all food grains produced – million people. Koleoso O. A 1983. Losses of food grains are preventable by vaccination and it is Nigeria in 2011: the world's 7th populated not only quantitative, but also qualitative. considered cured if the virus is not country There is usually a reduction of protein quality detected in the blood sample three Nigeria in 2050: the world's 3rd most due to insect infestation and deterioration with months after treatment though populated country regard to consumer needs. Other adverse effects leading to diseases involving the liver treatment is very expensive for now. The Nigerian soil and climate condition is contd. on pg 25 24 Feature as a result of fungal contamination of food grains is also well IMPROVING PROCESSING TECHNIQUES known in spite of the relative ease with which fruits and green I. Roots and tubers processing vegetables grow, these food products usually enter the diet One of the significant contribution of food technology towards only on a seasonal basis or probably not at all, and yet they are good and better quality food is in the area of food processing. good sources of vitamins. This is not recognized, but largely Traditional methods of food processing are largely unhygienic because of their unavailability on a continuous basis. and the products are invariably insufficient to feed more than a Factors affecting availability are poor storage facility leading couple of families. For example, the traditional processing of to losses which have been estimated at about 10 percent on the cassava into gari is a well-known technique practiced in small farm, 12 – 30 percent at wholesale and retail levels Koleoso O. scale cottage industry for prevention of losses and provision of A 1983. adequate food mainly to meet the demands of the local village Starchy roots and tubers are perishable foods and losses are and at best, a small surplus for marketing in urban centres. The encountered during transport and storage. increasing demand to the food rising urban population has Animal foods are not only scarce and expensive in relation to affected the rate of inflation and general shortage of food. The demand and purchasing power but usually suffer great losses application of a mechanized processing therefore becomes a due to poor storage and processing facilities and inadequate must. This has led the federal institute of Industrial Research at system of distribution. Thus the supply for the major sources Oshodi to look into possibility of mechanized processing of gari. of calories and proteins are greatly affected and thereby Mechanized yam powder was also designed and fabricated at the limiting the quantities consumed. university of Ife-Department of Agricultural Engineering and A number of techniques have been developed for the Department of Food Science and Technology. prevention of losses to grains, vegetables, roots, tubers and Through the application of modern food processing techniques a fruits, and for better storage distribution and marketing. Many variety of our local food are now available in sufficient of them have proved efficient and efforts must be made for quantities and a hygienically packed forms with longer shelf their proper application. Mention may be made of the life. improved traditional techniques of over-ground and ii. Drinks (e.g. palm wine) underground structures with a heavy gauge polythene inner Food technology has played a big role in changing our attitudes lining which can be cemented to prevent moisture migration. to some of our local food and drinks. The development of The application of improved insecticides and other fumigants preserved natural and bottled palm wine at FIIRO is a case in which can prolong the shelf life of grains should be view. Palm wine which is a very nutritious drink with high encouraged. content of vitamin c and yeast, has to be consumed soon after it The control of insect's infestation of cowpeas through in was tapped. Any unconsumed portion soon turn sour owing to package fumigation is estimated to rescue as much as 125,000 conversion of alcohol to acetic acid (or vinegar) and hence has to tons of protein which would normally go to waste. be thrown away. Owing to its method of presentation in Efficient handling of fruits and vegetables through controlled calabashes often exposed to flies and other insects coupled with atmospheric temperature, suitable packaging techniques to emergence of hygienically well-bottle easy to serve European prevent damage can go a long way in salvaging what will beer, the drinking of palm wine was soon relegated to the back naturally go to waste. ground and hence became a drink of the poor. By the application Another consideration in the post-harvest system is the of food technology by the FIIRO, it is now possible to keep application of modern dehydration methods to prevent losses. bottled palm wine in your homes until you are ready to consume Small modern village driers located close to farms will be it and hence the application of food technology may succeed to more suitable than expensive western type driers for lowering progressively tilt the balance of palm wine drinking to a more the moisture content of grains prior to storage. favourable and competitive position to a more vis-à-vis European type beer. IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LOCAL FOODS A policy on food technology should be geared towards The application of food technology to improving the quality modification and utilization of known technology to processing of food can lead to a healthy and hence wealthy nation. Most our local foods and hence be less dependent on imported foods. of the food consumed in the country are purely carbohydrate In other words the government policy of self-reliance should be hence protein and vitamin deficient. applied in food processing technology. The use of simple but effective on-farm and off-farm storage AVERAGE PER CAPITA DAILY INTAKE OF facilities and agro-processing technology should be promoted to CALORIES AND PROTEIN add value to products and increase their shelf-life. FAO minimum Nigeria Average The strategies grain reserve schemes should be modernized, Calories (kcal) 2,500 1903 strengthened and upgraded to a National Food Reserve Protein (gm) from animal source.208.6 From vegetable Programmes. This will enable it handle all staples and essential source. 45 43.3 food products. Total protein 65 51.9 Source: Olusanya and Omololu “Dietary practices and Conclusion: Nutrition in Nigeria” (Nig. Medical Journal v. 2, No.3 1972). A nation feeding population with mainly carbohydrate food Nigeria with abundant human and material resources has no will be populated not only by physically but mentally sick business with hunger, starvation and malnutrition if the Nation people. adequately harnesses and channels these resources into Most food crops grown and eaten in this country can be positive use. categorized into: 1. Roots and tubers such as cassava, yam, cocoyam. The institutions responsible for post harvest loss management 2. Cereals and pulses such as maize, sorghum, millet, and value addition chain in agro products needs to be black-eye beans, soya beans, rice and wheat. strengthen. 3. Vegetable oilseeds and fats such as groundnuts, melon seeds, locust beans, palm oil, etc. This way, hunger and starvation will have no place in our 4. Fruits and vegetables (which are seasonal) such as highly endowed society. oranges, bananas, pineapple, mangoes, guava, leafy Simon Ogbonna is an Assistant Director and the Area vegetables, tomatoes, onions etc. Manager of Ilorin Area office. 25 News ITF seeks stakeholders support for SIWES he Director-General, Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Sir Joseph TAri has urged stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians to support the efforts of the organisation towards the sustenance of the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) for the benefit of the nation. Ari who made the appeal at the 13th SIWES Biennial Conference in Abuja, stated that the programme was very relevant to the nation. The Scheme, the DG said, had succeeded in establishing a closer collaboration between institutions and industries, a factor essential for preparing young people for the world of work. He said: “The scheme also prepares students to fit in readily in employment in The ITF DG, Sir Joseph Ari, delivering a keynote address at the 13th SIWES Biennial Conference. public and private sectors of the economy. SIWES has consequently reduced the need for the employment of expatriates in the fields of engineering, technology and other professional areas. The scheme has recorded significant success and ITF has remained passionately committed to its sustenance. “Over the years, the relevance of the operational framework of the scheme was diminished by a myriad of challenges. This framework needs to be re-visited by - DG ITF all stakeholders to ensure continuous improvement. Issues to be addressed by the biennial conference include: Stakeholders engagement and the need to sensitise the public on the relevance of (L-R) Chairman Senate Committee on Trade and Investment, Dr. Sam Egwu, Chairman, SIWES to national growth and House Committee on Industry, Hon. Abubakar Moriki and the ITF DG, during the conference. development; Stakeholders need, to resolve some of the thorny issues associated with the scheme; Close collaboration with NECA to support industries through re-tooling of facilities of NECA member organisations, as part o f e f f o r t s t o r e v i v e t h e ailing industries in the economy and the e-payment of SIWES allowances amongst others. “However not much has been achieved with regards to funding, the conference was therefore expected to address funding challenges and also resolve the issue of geometric increase in the number o f c o u r s e s a n d s t u d e n t s involved in the scheme.” A cross section of stakeholders at the SIWES Biennial Conference in Abuja. 26 News NITAD to Clampdown on Dr. Otuwarikpo Crowned Unregistered Organisations Eze of Upata Kingdom The Nigeria Institute of Training and Development (NITAD) has said that it will soon commence clampdown on all unregistered organisations, both in the public and private sectors of the Nigeria Economy. Chairman of the Rivers/Bayelsa chapter of the Institute, Mrs. Osondu Nkem Jaja, disclosed this last Thursday, while speaking with newsmen at a one-day training programme, organized for Permanent Secretaries, Directors, and Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies(MDAS) in Rivers State. She said the Institute which was established in 1989, was vested with statutory responsibility of ensuring strict compliance to mandatory professional training for all its members and other t r a i n i n g i n s t i t u t i o n s . She pointed out that the objective of the Institute was to check issues of ethical Dr. Felix Otuwarikpo delivering his acceptance speech after his coronation as Eze Igbu of Upata violations and professional misconduct Kingdom. Seated beside him is Gov. Wike of Rivers State. and promote International best former staff of the Industrial Training Fund, Dr. Felix Enene Otuwarikpo practices in service delivery. has been crowned the Eze Igbu III of the Upata Kingdom. The Chairman said the Institute was presently carrying out public A The Coronation ceremony which took place at the Edeoha town in Ahoada East sensitizations for individuals and corporate organisations to register as Local Government Area, recently attracted thousands of colourfully dressed well- certified trainers or risk been picked. wishers from across the country. According to the Chairman, the In his welcome address, His Royal Majesty, Eze Felix Otuwarikpo thanked the clampdown on unregistered members, Governor of Rivers State, Barr. Nyesom Wike for honoring the occasion but will commence, after the (NITAD) bill bemoaned the neglect of Upata land by the past administrations. currently before the National Assembly is passed. She pointed out that the bill He said however, he saw a vista of hope in the administration of Governor Wike to will empower the institute to be bring development to Upata land and appealed to the Governor for the chartered to provide accredited and reconstruction of the four kilometer road linking Ahoada town to the Upata continuous professional education in kingdom, and he also promised to support the Administration of Governor Wike to the country. ensure that peace reigns in the entire community. She said the Institute was poised to promote International Interations and The Eze pledged to bring empowerment to all teeming unemployed youths in all exposure of its members through segments of Upata Kingdom and Rivers State in general even as he commended affiliation and co-operation with the Governor Wike for his doggedness and resilience in bringing development to the International Federation of Training and State. Development (IFDO), American Society In his remarks, Governor Wike thanked the entire Ahoada East LGA for playing a for Training and Development (AATD) and the Chartered Institute of Personnel pivotal role in his election. a n d D e v e l o p m e n t ( C I P D ) . The Governor threw the gathering into thunderous ovation when he announced the nd st She added that, “the Institute currently immediate elevation of the new Eze Upata from 2 class to 1 class status with all has more than 10,000 individuals and paraphernalia attached. 1000 corporate members, while its Wike also promised to immediately undertake the construction of all roads in the services are recognized and supported community and also provide water and electricity. by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), t h e C e n t r e f o r M a n a g e m e n t He charged the community to promote peace, noting that development could only Development, (CMD), Administrative be achieved in an atmosphere of peace and security. Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) and His Excellency urged the new Eze as custodian of the tradition and culture and all O f f i c e o f E s t a b l i s h m e n t a n d stakeholders in the land to preach peace for development to come to the area. Management Service of the Federal Those present at the Coronation ceremony were, the Emir of Nassarawa Alh Secretariat Abuja”. The Chairman emphasized that the Hassan Ahmed, who was represented by the Emir of Loko, Alh Abubar Ahmed, the Institute will not compromise in Director General of ITF, Sir Joseph N. Ari the President of the NIPR, Dr. Rotimi standards in terms of human resources, Oladele with some members of the Governing Council of the Institute. training, learning and development Other guests at the event were the former Speaker of Federal House of facilitation functions in Nigeria, she Representatives, Hon Chibudom Nwuche Udom, former AIG of Police, Isaac Eke, called on the Media, and other critical stakeholders to partner with the the PDP Chairman Rivers state, Hon Felix Obua, the Eze Ikpeye II of Ekeye and a Institute to achieve its set objectives. large number of staff from the ITF. 27 News Contd. from pg 20 n maintenance and repairs, ICT Web Design, Satellite Dish Installation a n d m a i n t e n a n c e , F a c i l i t y maintenance and repairs, and Interior decoration. In all, 9,250 Nigerians will be equipped with skills in the above trades and crafts. Already, the plan has started yielding fruits. As part of the Quick Wins, the Fund has implemented the second phase of the 2016 National Industrial Skills Development Programme, (NISDP), across 18 states of the Federation which instilled 9000 Nigerians with skills in over 30 trades and crafts. The next phase of the Programme that is the first phase of the 2017 NISDP will The House of Representatives Committee on Industry and the ITF Management on a facility commence soon across the 36 states tour of an ITF project in Lagos. and the FCT, and will train 300 Nigerians in each of the states in 3 undergoing training in 18 Centres Passion to Profession. 120 trainees, trades and crafts namely: Welding across the country. The TSDP is one of who constitute the first batch of and fabrication, Fashion and the initiatives embarked upon by the beneficiaries, undertook training in garment making, and Plumbing and two organisations to drive President tailoring and garment making, and pipe fitting. Unlike the previous Buhari's efforts at industrialisation and events consulting. At the end of the phases where the ITF relied on the job creation as well as reduce training, each of the trainees was state Governments for Starter Packs, unemployment, promote sustainable supported with an industrial sewing the Fund will provide every wealth creation and instil youths with machine as a starter pack. beneficiary with a starter pack. The entrepreneurial and attitudinal skills In other efforts targeted to drive aim is to ensure that all the through technical skills acquisition. President Mohammadu Buhari's policy beneficiaries are able to start their During the year long Programme, the to boost job/wealth creation, inclusive businesses. participants, who are drawn from growth and sustainable development in The NISDP, which is a key enabler across the country, would be trained in order to address the massive of the Nigeria Industrial Revolution 18 trades and crafts including unemployment problem particularly Plan, (NIRP), was informed by the electrical/electronic maintenance, among vulnerable groups in the fact that despite the number of m e c h a n i c a l m a c h i n e r y a n d country, the ITF has initiated the Nigerians without work, several maintenance, welding fabrication Women Skills Empowerment surveys including those conducted works, plumbing and pipe fittings Programme (WOSEP). The first phase by the ITF revealed that vacancies maintenance, beverage bottle of the Programme, which is intended to exist in some sectors of the economy operation, and information and equip vulnerable women with requisite that are currently being filled by communication technology. skills for setting up and managing persons other than Nigerians Others are building construction, small scale businesses as well as make because of the lack of requisite carpentry and joinery, agriculture and them employable commenced in May technical skills by Nigerians. Since agro-allied, animal husbandry, aqua- this year, with 360 women drawn from its inauguration, the Programme has culture and breeding and rearing, two states selected from each of the six trained over 100,000 Nigerians in hatchery, livestock and aqua culture Geopolitical Zones, who were trained about 30 trades and crafts. Most of feeds, and fashion design and tailoring. in dominant trades and crafts in their the beneficiaries are today gainfully The 18 participating organisations are states for a period of 3 months. At the employed, or very successful PAN Learning Centre Limited, Niger end of the programme in August this entrepreneurs. Buoyed by these Dock Nigeria PLC, Nigerian Breweries year, the participants were given starter successes, plans are underway to Plc, Nigerian Bottling Company, Truck packs to start their businesses. The expand the programme so that more Masters Nigeria Limited, Lafarge Programme has attracted the support of Nigerians will benefit. For instance, Cement (WAPCO) Plc, Kamjay Farms, the benefitting States as some have in future, several streams will be run Ibeju-Lekki, Chi Limited, Ruff'n sponsored an additional number of within a phase, while it will roll out Tumble and Style House. trainees. in all the states at the same time. Other Centres include the ISTC, Ikeja, In order to further expand access for the The ITF has also expanded its ISTC, Kano; ISTC, Lokoja; ITF Centre numerous Nigerians that are willing to for Excellence, Jos; FSTC, Lasa; Technical Skills Development acquire new technical skills but are P r o j e c t ( T S D P ) , w h i c h i t FSTC, Awka; Government Technical implements in collaboration with College, Sokoto and Benin Technical currently denied because of limited t h e N i g e r i a n E m p l o y e r s ' College, Benin. placement openings, the ITF has Consultative Association (NECA). Another programme embarked upon established four new Area Offices in by the ITF as part of the Quick wins is Currently, 3000 trainees are Gwagwalada, Rumuokuta,contd. Badagryon pg 29 28 Feature Contd. from pg 28 New world order... contd. from pg 21 and Owerri in the Federal Capital shocked for the same reason. Persons with ITF ANTHEM money or business background but have no STANZA 1 Territory (FCT), Rivers, Lagos experience in public administration, will Industrial Training Fund and Imo States respectively. In be elected into public offices. Meanwhile, Let us all arise the Medium and Long terms, the experienced administrators with proven record of honesty will be denied Arise to build a strong and Fund will step up efforts for the opportunity to serve their people, thus virile nation formal commissioning of the public life within a given polity could be To Provide, Promote, and ISTC Lokoja, even as plans will c h a r a c t e r i z e d b y c o r r u p t i o n , encourage the acquisition of institutionalized secrecy and non- be accelerated towards the skills adherence to laid down procedure. The So as to generate indigenous time has indeed come for politics to be seen establishment of 36 Industrial human capital Skills Training Centres in the 36 for what it really is - a game of surprises, not of numbers. A pool sufficient to meet the states of the Federation and the Fourthly, it has been established, at least in economy's need Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the case of Trump, that no bad record (e.g. Chorus t h r e e A u t o m o t i v e P a r t s of adultery, tax evasion, etc.) can really Through Integrity, Efficiency stop modern politicians from achieving and Effectiveness Production and Training Centres their ambition. When next, therefore, a Commitment, Loyalty, Team- will also be established in prostitute wakes up to address the press, Work, alleging that you, my dear reader, had Badagary, Nnewi and Kaduna Professionalism and Creativity made attempt to rape her many years ago, and six Centres of Advanced just don't panic. You only need to behave ITF, Let us all arise Skills Training for Employment like brother Trump by sending a strong (CASTE) that will be sited in the reply such as this: 'you are not even so STANZA 2 beautiful as to attract any man to rape you.' O God! Grant ITF the six Geopolitical Zones of the (In this case, I confess Mr. Trump was right knowledge and wisdom country. In addition, three in his reply to the reckless ladies who Strength imbued with character specialised Centres in Oil and attempted to diminish him a few days to the and shaped with utmost skills to November polls. No innocent lady would work Gas will also be established. All wait for years, after an attempted rape, these projects will be completed before accusing a man of such crime). Let with renewed passion, between 2018 and 2020. Plans me say, however, that that is where my commitment and dedication affection for Mr. Trump starts and ends. I Help us to deliver on our are also underway to establish hate him dearly, and for the same reasons avowed mandate vocational training wings in all that he hates other races, especially the To lift the cause of humanity for its Area offices across the black humanity. posterity The world is already bleeding from injuries country. inflicted on her by some of Trump's Chorus In response to the Federal predecessors that she cannot afford another Through Integrity, Efficiency Government's directive for all round of prolonged disunity and or and Effectiveness MDAs to synegize with each acrimony in the Assembly of Nations. World leaders must understand that Commitment, Loyalty, Team- other, the ITF has consolidated leadership is for service, not for show. Work, on its partnership with SMEDAN Happily, children of the oppressor nations Professionalism and Creativity and the BoI to raise MSMEs to and those of the oppressed world are ITF, Let us all arise growing up, and are beginning to realize any enviable level. The the global impacts of the many economic partnership which is being and political injustices of the present world ITF CORE VALUES supervised by the Federal order. I dream that one day, these little children will rise up together, irrespective Integrity Ministry of Industry, Trade and of race or colour, against the political I n v e s t m e n t i s b e i n g domination of one race by another, or the consummated under the National economic subjugation of less developed countries by the more advanced. The rest Efficiency and Effectiveness E n t e r p r i s e D e v e l o p m e n t of the world would regard America as truly Programme (NEDEP) powerful the day she begins to take Generally, in the last 6 months, practical steps that could bring permanent Commitment peace to troubled parts of the world, the Fund performed remarkably especially the Middle East. It is not a free in All Key Result Areas (KRAs). world yet, until Palestine and indeed other Loyalty In terms of training programmes subjugated entities have been liberated from the brutality of their neighbours. i m p l e m e n t e d , t h e F u n d Team-Work implemented, 1,515 training Dr Echu is a Deputy Director and theArea programmes that benefitted Manager of Lokoja Area office and can be reached on : [email protected]. 37,722 Nigerians from 1,454 Professionalism and Creativity

29 Staff Matters

· John Ikwebe Enyi, Director of Field Services Department retired from the Fund on 11th January, 2017.

· D o r o t h y O j a i d e , Director of Corporate P l a n n i n g Department retired from the Fund on 18th January, 2017.

· Rose Vou Pwajok, a D e p u t y D i r e c t o r (Training) with Field Services Department retired from Fund on 22nd January, 2017.

· Abubakar Bungundu S a l i h u , a D e p u t y Director (Training) and Head, The DG presenting a farewell Card to retired Head of Legal and Council Affairs Legal and Council Unit, Alhaji Salisu Bungundu who retired recently Affairs Unit retired from the Fund on 31st January, 2017.

· K o s o n t y a v T h o m a s a D e p u t y D i r e c t o r Retirements ( F i n a n c e ) w i t h R e v e n u e I n s p e c t o r a t e a n d Compliance Department (RI&CD) retired from the Fund on · Ikpi Lovelyn Omini, a Deputy Chief Human 5th March, 2017.

Resource Officer (DCHRO) with Makurdi Area · Ekhaguere Jacob Igbinidu, a Deputy Director (Training) Office retired from the Fund on 23rd October 2016. w i t h Te c h n i c a l Vo c a t i o n a l S k i l l s Tr a i n i n g Department (TVSTD) retired from the fund on 15th March, 2017. · Mohammed Hassan Mohammed, a Chief Driver Mechanic with Jos Area Office retired from the Fund on · Ogbonna Anacletus C h u k w u O b i , a H u m a n th 12 November, 2016. Resource Assistant II (HRA II) with Calabar Area Office retired from the Fund on 20th March, 2017.

· Samuel Ayema Adicha, a Chief Store Keeper with · Unuibe Patrick, a Driver with Warri Area Office Admin and Human Resource Department retired from retired from the Fund on 31st March, 2017. th the Fund on 13 November, 2016. · Lawal Ibrahim M, Director of Business Training Development Department (BTD) retired from the Fund on 24th April,2017. · Adeyemi Ramon Damilare, an Accountant III with Victoria Island Area Office resigned from the Fund on · Samuel Folusho Elfrida, Director of Research and 30th November, 2016. Curriculum Development Department (R&CDD) retired from the Fund on 2nd May, 2017.

· Philip Edoghoghe Aignobahi, a Senior Typist II with · Rasheed Fatima Isah, a Senior Human Resource st Officer with ISTC, Kano, retired Benin Area Office retired from the Fund, on 1 January, from the Fund on 4th May, 2017. 2017. · Lawrence Ogunjobi, a Deputy Director Admin with Ibadan Area Office retired from the Fund, on 10th January, 2017.

30 Staff Matters Change of Name Resignation addressed as Miss Blessing 1. Emelugo: I, formerly known Joseph Iliya Ali, now wish to b e and addressed as Miss Uche k n o w n a n d a d d r e s s e d a s · Okom Nwamaka Tochukwu, a TDO II Ijeoma Perpetua, now wish to b e Mrs. Blessing Joseph Iliya. A l l with Port-Harcourt Area office resigned k n o w n a n d a d d r e s s e d a s f o r m e r d o c u m e n t s r e m a i n from the Fund on 9th October, 2016. M r s E m e l u g o valid. The ITF and the general · Oladipo Babatunde Odujinrin, a IjeomaPerpetua. All former public to please take note. Training Development Officer I with documents remain valid. The ITF MSTC Abuja resigned from the Fund on and the general public to 9. Magit-I, formerly known and 30th November, 2016. please take note. addressed as Miss Victoria 2. Olarewaju- I, formerly known Mathew Kanag, now wish to be · Temitope Wale-Owolabi, a Human and addressed as Miss Arebi known and addressed Resource Officer I, with Lagos Island Nimota Olarewaju, now wish to be as Mrs. V i c t o r i a Area Office, resigned from the Fund on k n o w n a n d a d d r e s s e d a s J a m e s M a g i t . A l l 6th January, 2017. M r s O g u n s i n a N i m o t a f o r m e r d o c u m e n t s r e m a i n · Ayodeji Ademiju Akanbi, a Training O l a r e w a j u . A l l f o r m e r valid. The ITF and the general Development Officer I with Abuja Area documents remain valid. The ITF public to please take note. Office resigned from the Fund on and the general public to please take 10. Polit – I, formally known and 1st March, 2017. note. addressed as Miss Kachollom Lisa 3 Nkolika-I, formerly known and Dadu, now wish to be known and Oluwaseun O. Taiwo, a Training addressed as Miss addressed as Mrs. Kachollom Development Officer III with ISTC O b i Lengka Polit. A ll nd Ikeja retired from the Fund, on 2 N k e m a k o n a m N k o l i k a , n o w former documents February, 2017. w i s h t o b e k n o w n a n d remain valid. The ITF a n d t h e addressed as Mrs. Ugwoke general public to please take note. Nkemakonam. All former 11. Eyo – I, formally known and documents remain valid. The ITF addressed as Miss Bridget and general public to please take Asuquo Atting, now wish to Obituary note. be known and addressed as 4 Ololade-I, formerly known and Mrs. Bridget Ekpenyong We regret to announce the death of the addressed as Miss Eyo. All former documents following staff: · Shobuwale remain valid. The ITF and the Saidat, now wish to b e ge neral public to please take Hezekiah Uchendu David, a driver k n o w n a n d a d d r e s s e d a s note. with Port Harcourt Area Office, Mrs. Ishola Hannah Ololade. A l l 12. Laaro – I, formerly known died on 9th December, 2016. f o r m e r d o c u m e n t s r e m a i n a n d a d d r e s s e d a s M i s s valid. The ITF and the general Alanamu Mutiat Olayinka, · Alhaji Garba Musa, a Training public to please take note. now wish to be known and Development Officer (TDOIII) with 5 Awopetu-I, formerly known addressed as Mrs. Laaro Bauchi Area Office, died on 26th and addressed as Miss Olokun Mutiat Olayinka Alanamu. January, 2017. Eyitayo Abisola, now wish to b e All f o r m e r d o c u m e n t s r e m a i n k n o w n a n d a d d r e s s e d a s valid. The ITF and the general · Adam Halima Mohammed, an Mrs. Awopetu Eyitayo Abisola. public to please take note. Account Assistant II with Finance and All former documents remain valid. 13. I k w u e m e s i – I , f o r m e r l y Accounts Department, who died on The ITF and the general public to known and addressed as Miss st please take note. O b i d i N o n s o M e r c y, n o w 21 February, 2017. 6. O r h e o g h e n e b r u r u - I , w i s h t o b e k n o w n a n d · Jonah Gwomkudu Chuwang a formerly known and addressed a s a d d r e s s e d a s M r s . Works superintendent with the Admin Miss Roseline Ovobovwori, I k w u e m e s i C h u k w u n o n s o now wish to be known and Mercy. All former documents and Human Resource Department, addressed as Mrs. Roseline remain valid. The ITF and the th died on 10 March, 2017. Stephen Orheoghenebruru. All general public to please take · Roseline Ovobovwori, a Chief Office f o r m e r d o c u m e n t s r e m a i n note. valid. The ITF and the general Assistant with Warri Area Office, 14. Jelkwap-I, formerly known and th public to please take note. addressed as Miss Lilian John died on 20 March, 2017. 7. Sunday-I, formerly known and Longke, now wish to be known · Bello Abdulmumini, a Deputy Chief addressed as Miss and addressed as Mrs. Lilian Estate Management Officer with the Ehuruibe E b e r e Longke Jelkwap. All former Christiana, now wish to b e Admin and Human Resource documents remain valid. The ITF k n o w n a n d a d d r e s s e d a s and the general public to please Department, died on 16th April, 2017. M r s . S u n d a y E b e r e take note. C h r i s t i a n a . A l l f o r m e r They have since been buried. May 15. Egu I, formerly Known as Ogu, documents remain valid. The ITF their souls rest in perfect peace. Amen. and the general public to Francis Enebi, now wish to be please take note. known and addressed as Mr. Egu, 8. Iliya-I, formerly known and Francis Enebi. All former 31 For the Record Media owners must... contd. from pg14 section, every person shall be entitled to forces – acting secretly and illegally. conclusion about the feasibility of the own, establish and operate any medium The dangers to journalism profession are threat. for the dissemination of information, not only physical- from cyber attacks to The ethical foundations of journalism ideas and opinion” bullying, the powerful are deploying provide the ammunition for resilient In spite of constitutional provisions, the numerous tools to try to stop the media professional practice. The reality of low or practice of journalism takes place under from shedding light on misrule and non-existent pay, dismal welfare conditions beyond the control of the pen misdeeds. conditions and/ or packages, proliferation holders. According to Tive Denedo, “ the spectre of of ill-trained, unqualified and often Many journalists are maimed physically violence over journalism has changed the compromised practitioners, all combine to or psychologically, or both. Others die dynamics of the practice... Truth, fairness, muddy the waters. The field is thus highly reporting from especially conflicts objectivity and a host of other values of the populated with commercially-inclined zones bear this out. During four weeks profession have become casualties... Quacks masquerading as journalists, which of fighting in Iraq, 15 journalists and Deaths, threat to lives and beatings have makes a mockery of the constitutionally media workers died and two are still become recurring decimals in journalism assigned role of the media. missing. Accidents killed some, but while fear is not too far away anymore from most died in combat. the newsroom. There is nothing in the Risk is sometime an inevitable part of the If we explore world history even history of journalism that can demand more Journalistic calling. Decisions are made further, we find that during the 1991 of our collective efforts than providing a out of a sense of duty, professionalism, or Gulf War, no journalists died in the safe and secured environment for the sometimes a mix of both. Remember, actual liberation of Kuwait, but in the practice of journalism. Our past injured or dead journalists become part of aftermath, four freelancers were killed. experiences insist on it, our present realities the story, part of the problem, and can no About a year and half ago, in demand it and our future requires it” longer do their jobs. Many loved ones Afghanistan, eight journalists died in a But should we be discouraged? The answer suffer in cases of death. Eventually, the two-week time span. At one point in is a big NO because as Journalists, the story is forgotten, even if the journalist is that war, media casualties out numbered people of this Nation look up to us to not. Journalists must gauge their security military deaths. Ninety-four media provide the quality of information and first before attempting a risky story. Use workers and journalists died in the reportage that will spur our leaders to make your common sense and stay alive in order Yugoslav wars of the 1990s. some 60 a difference not only in the immediate, but to change lives for the better. journalists died during the Vietnam War in the long term for the good of all. In conclusion, as we mourn the souls of our and the fighting in Cambodia. It is equally worth mentioning that Nigeria departed colleagues, I urge all practitioners owes its independence to the pioneering of Journalism to employ the heavy infantry SOME SAFETY MEASURES efforts by the media led by the Dr. Nnamdi powers of Goliath the Philistine the In the last 1980s, safety came to the Azikiwe owned West African Pilot and a courage of the Roman Titus Manlius in the forefront in the trade union movement. cream of other newspapers that fought the battles as reported by Quintus Claudius Spearheaded by the Dutch Union of colonialists with the pen and not the sword. Quadrigariu,s and the speed and Journalists NUJ), a worldwide action The story of the current democratic maneuravability of David in the epic battle programme was launched by the experience will not be complete either at the valley of Elah. International Federation of Journalists without the mention of the selfless What it means here that there should be (IFJ) to reduce the risk of journalists. It sacrifices of the media who gradually and times, where journalists should in their published a safety guidebook, painstakingly rose above fear, harassment reportage work as cavalry men; at other established or instituted insurance and intimidation to ensure that Nigeria times as infantry men; and still at other policies for staff and freelancers, and joins the ranks of democratic nations. times as artillery men. developed safety courses with Safety of journalists has been a major In other words, the sense of survival should employers. concern to the International Federation of be uppermost even as Journalists confront The IFJ also insisted that media Journalists and other stakeholders. the risks posed in the course of their companies take their share of the IFJ has published a safety guidebook, responsibilities. responsibility. In March this year, the instituted insurance policies for staff and Being an intricate profession, where the IFJ, with support from the European freelancers and developed safety courses best has be employed to satisfy society, let's Union, published a comprehensive and with employers. keep the flag flying. Let us with one voice i n - d e p t h s u r v i v a l g u i d e ” f o r Nigerian media owners must domesticate utter our common phase of eureka: our correspondents covering especially some of these safety measures, in addition watch word to indicate the discovery of an political situations and conflicts. to remuneration that can take practitioners egalitarian society, which we seek to In most African countries, severe home. achieve. economic downturn ignites structural The Reporter and his media house should On a last note, I once again commend the crisis. This breed private monopoly that evolve a culture of risk assessment before organisers of this significant but sober uses the crisis as an excuse to instil a undertaking any assignment. News event event, and pray Almighty God to grant the climate of fear in newsrooms and cut can be extremely unpredictable. souls of our departed colleagues peaceful wages even more. News organizations have a responsibility to rest. There is also widespread violence from support their journalists on commissioned Long live Plateau NUJ, segments of society opposed to assignments. Matters left unresolved Long live Plateau State. professional journalism. As a result, before a journalist begins a story can lead journalists in some countries, suffer to stressful complications later. from the worst pressure and harassment The journalist must keep himself informed Text of a Keynote lecture delivered by at work places. of what goes on around him and what could the ITF DG, Sir Joseph Ari during the Reporters face enormous challenges in affect his security. He must re-assess his the course of their duty. Some suffer security situation at regular intervals. 50M ICT Centre launch by the NUJ death, many are harassed or injured. If there are possibility of any threats, note Plateau State Council on Tuesday, 16th Some suffer premeditated assault and the following: establish the facts of the intimidation either by criminals, threat; establish the pattern over time; May, 2017 at Eliel Centre, Jos. insurgents or agencies of state- the establish objectives and source of the Police, the Military or the security threat; draw a reasoned and reasonable 32 Social Diary SOCIAL D I A R Y

The ITF DG (Centre) being assisted to cut his birthday cake Staff of the Public Affairs Unit presenting a birthday card by members of the ITF Management to the DG on his birthday

The ITF DG, giving a toast during the valedictory session The Director of Admin. and Human Resource Department, held in honour of retired Director, Business Training Mrs.Mailumo, joins pupils of the ITF Staff School performing Development Department, Engr. Ibrahim Lawal. a Tiv dance during the Speech and Prize Giving Day of the school.

The Director of Administration and Human Resource Dept, The ITF DG being dressed in traditional Tiv attire by Governor Ortom Mrs. Roseline Mailumo leads the ITF Party to a Tiv dance during a banquet organized in honour of the ITF Management. during the banquet in honor of the ITF delegation by the Benue State Government. Invest in Worker’s Skill ...boost the Nation’s Economy

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Act makes it compulsory for Employers in the Public and Private Sectors of the Nigerian Economy to train their workers annually.

The amended ITF Act makes it mandatory for all Employers of labour with 5 employees or annual turnover of N50 million to remit one per cent (1%) of their annual payroll to the ITF as training contribution.

Proof of payment of the 1% is from now on a precondition for the pre-qualification of Contractors or Consultants bidding or soliciting for contracts or supplies of goods and services from any Federal Government Ministry, Department and Agency.

It is mandatory for any liable Organisation, Public or Private, Including Companies in Free Trade Zones, requiring approval for expatriate quota and/or utilizing Custom Services in matters of export and import to show proof of compliance with the Act

In line with the provisions of the amended ITF Act, defaulting Employers shall be liable as follows:

(a) In the case of a body corporate, to a fine of N500,000.00 (Five hundred thousand Naira) or N1,000,000.00 (One million Naira)

(b) In the case of the Chief Executive, Secretary or other Principal Officer of the Company, to a fine of N50,000.00 (fifty thousand Naira) or two to three years imprisonment.

It is profitable to contribute to the ITF today and train your workers. Your investment shall be used by the ITF to build Skills Training Centres in every State of the country.

Invest today to grow the competencies and skills of your staff and together, boost the performance of the Nigerian economy.

Industrial Training Fund ...Developing the Nation’s Human Resource