The Association of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT) says the Skill Up Artisans, SUPA program has made a significant impact on Nigerian artisans, enabling them to Improve skills and productivity.
National Coordinator, ASNAT Mr Adeshina Akinyemi, stated this at the Association Press Conference on the Activities and Appraisals of the Skill Up Artisans, SUPA Program Implemented by the Industrial Training Fund, held in Abuja the nation’s capital.
He said the programme had helped members scale up and add value to economic growth.
“The programme has had a significant impact on Nigerians, enabling them to improve their skill increase their earning potential, enhance their employability, Opportunity for SUPA trained and certified artisans/ technicians to export the trades, skills and services. Contribute to the growth and development of the nation’s economy,” he said.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for designing, the Skill Up Artisans, SUPA program and the present leadership of ITF led by Dr. Oluwatoyin Afiz Ogun for implementing the SUPA program.
He explained that ASNAT will continue to collaborate with the ITF to promote the growth and development of artisans and technicians in Nigeria.
“We appreciate your attention to this matter, and we assure you that the ITF and it’s Director General, Dr. Oluwatoyin Afiz Ogun will continue prioritise it’s core mandate of promoting industrial training, Nigerian artisans upskilling and upgrading and economic development in Nigeria.” He stated.
“We recommend that the program be expanded to reach more artisans across the country,” he said.
Mr Akinyemi said the SUPA Program is a vital initiative that has enhanced the skills and productivity of Nigerian artisans and enjoined the governments to focus on implementing programmes that would help the administration achieve its Renewed Hope agenda
“After carefully considering the above positive impact of SUPA on Nigerian artisans and technicians, we find it very hard to believe that some enemies of progress of the present government in Nigeria, headed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will label SUPA, A MONUMENTAL FRAUD and tag the tireless, indefatigable. Diligent, hardworking and industrious Director General of Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Dr. Oluwatoyin Afiz Ogun a deficient manager and a Corrupt individual. This claim, by a faceless group called, Concerned Citizens, Advocates for Institutional Accountability is not only false, but malicious and blackmail,” he said.
He said that the ITF has continued to excel in its mandate providing critical training and capacity building programs for Nigerian Artisans and Technicians.
“We urge the general public, the national Assembly and the President to disregard this faceless group and its publication and focus on the numerous achievements and successes of the ITF under Dr. Ogun’s leadership.” Mr Akinyemi said.
The Association called on all stakeholders to join hands with ITF and the government to move the nation forward.
Also, ASNAT Lady President, Mrs Jaiyeola Olatunji, explained that 100,000 artisans have been trained and the next phase of training of artisans would be rolled out by next week
National Secretary, ASNAT Mr Bari Moses, says the purpose of the SUPA program is to equip Nigerian artisans to its equivalent in their foreign countries.
“You have certification that will give you the license to operate anywhere in the world, you could have the standard that is required in every part of the world and also can operate anywhere, there is SUPA online registration in ITF they have their website, you register on their website and then you get screened and from there you will be trained.” He explained.
According to him, “Since the inception and introduction of SUPA program, there are so many issues that some people felt they were so bitter about and not happy about it, we as artisans are the direct beneficiaries of this program and it is important that we come out to state it clearly that it was for our own benefit and we benefited from it.”
Representative of President, National Automobile Technicians Association, NATA, FCT, Mr Mohammed Oshioke, appeals to the government to empower ASNAT and Technicians with funds for a start up after training to encourage them.
“I urge the government, whenever they carry out any training, the technicians will be ready to back you empower them to practice the knowledge you give to them,” he added.
The SUPA program has been instrumental in enhancing the skills and productivity of Nigerian artisans and technicians, providing Nigerians with industry standard compliant, training, certification access to essential tools and equipment.