General News
THE Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has commenced a business incubation programme for artisans under its Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) initiative to strengthen entrepreneurial skills and improve business management.
The Director-General (D-G) of ITF, Dr Afiz Ogun, made the disclosure in a statement signed by the fund’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Mr Thomas Ngor, and made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Jos.
Ogun said that the programme is an initiative designed to support graduates of the SUPA programme in establishing and growing sustainable businesses across Nigeria.
The D-G stated that the initiative represented a major step by the Federal Government’s aimed at skills development, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship promotion, and inclusive economic growth.
He added that the programme was specifically designed to bridge the gap between skills acquisition and enterprise development by providing selected artisans with the tools, training, mentorship, business support services, and market access required to build successful and sustainable businesses.
According to him, the beneficiaries would undergo comprehensive entrepreneurship and business management training, including the internationally recognised Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) Programme.
The D-G further said that the participants would also receive support in certification and licensing processes to enhance their professional standing and competitiveness.
“The approach is to promote ownership, accountability, and sustainability while enabling beneficiaries to establish viable enterprises capable of creating employment opportunities for others.
“The programme is a strategic intervention aimed at transforming skilled artisans into successful business owners and employers of labour.
“Our goal is to nurture a new generation of artisans who will drive MSME growth, create jobs, and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s industrial development,” he said.
According to him, the expected outcome of the programme would be the creation of sustainable artisan-owned businesses, increased employment opportunities, and accelerated growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
He said it would enhance youth economic inclusion, improved business survival rates among SUPA beneficiaries, and strengthened contributions to Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda.
(NAN)
W.U
June 17, 2026
Tags: Dr Afiz Ogun