ITF boss debunks report on relocation of headquarters

THE Director General of Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Dr Juliet Chukkas-Onaeko has denied plans to relocate the headquarters of the agency from Jos in Plateau State to Abuja.

The explanation became necessary, due to what the agency described as unfounded rumours that the Director General,  has already concluded arrangements to relocate the interventionist agency to Abuja, instead of Jos where the headquarters has been situated since it was established in 1971.

She assured the people of Plateau State not to worry or fear, neither do they have to do anything that will lead to uproar as is being anticipated by those spreading the ‘false rumours’, adding that only the President can decide the relocation plan.

A statement by the Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to the ITF’s Director General, Meshack Idehen, noted that Jos will always remain the ITF’s headquarters.

He explained that the recent evacuation of tenants from its six-storey building in Abuja was part of the agency’s plan to strategise on ways of improving on its mandate and objectives.

The DG pointed out the evacuation of occupants of the building was because of the need to expand the Model Skills Training Center (MSTC) of the agency, and also to expand and integrate the functions of the Abuja Area office as well as the corporate office all located in the building.

Noting that the ITF have been collaborating with several multinational agencies and embassies in its quest to create and surpass the two million jobs it has set out to achieve, the DG said the ongoing activities at the Abuja office will create easier access for these international organisations partnering with the agency.

The DG said: “Most embassies and our partners are based in Abuja. Making all the offices in Abuja more functional will go a long way towards achieving our goal of creating two million jobs annually, while also making empowering the nation’s youths with technical and vocational skills easier at the same time.”