The Director General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, has lauded the efforts of Rep. Wale Raji following his donation of a fully equipped vocational training centre in Agbowa, Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA, Lagos State.
EpeInsights learnt that the facility, which is nearing formal handover to the ITF, is set to play a strategic role in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) initiative, an ambitious program under the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at equipping Nigerian artisans with globally relevant skills.
“This is not just a building. It is a beacon of hope,” said Dr. Ogun during his on-site visit on Saturday.
“We’ve been searching for centers like this across the country. What Rep. Raji has done is exemplary, this is a model facility, fully equipped and purpose-built for technical training.”
Dr. Ogun, visibly impressed by the quality of the structure and its readiness, emphasized that the Agbowa centre would significantly ease access to skill acquisition opportunities for youths across the region.
He also commended Rep. Raji for aligning with national development goals through practical support rather than rhetoric.
“The presence of this center right within the community eliminates barriers—no more long-distance travel just to learn a trade. It brings skills, hope, and future directly to the people,” he added.
The ITF boss urged other members of the National Assembly, government agencies, and philanthropic Nigerians to replicate Rep. Raji’s initiative to help bridge Nigeria’s massive skills gap and drive productivity.
“Our mission at ITF is clear that is; to train citizens for industrial growth. But we can’t do it alone. Donations like this fast-track our goals. We invite other lawmakers to partner with us in similar fashion,” he said.
Reflecting on ITF’s past, Dr. Ogun revealed that the agency is shifting from traditional training and startup kit models to more robust business incubation, job linkage, and even overseas placements.
“We’ve had people sell off their starter packs in the past. It wasn’t sustainable. Now, we’re focusing on long-term empowerment: get them trained, get them working, and plug them into industries many of which fund ITF through statutory contributions,” he explained.
The Agbowa centre will serve as a pilot hub for the SUPA program, targeting artisans and tradesmen in need of certification, tools, and access to opportunities in Nigeria and abroad.
Minor repairs and technical adjustments are expected to begin immediately, with the ITF setting a short timeline for the start of training sessions.
Once operational, the Agbowa Vocational Centre is expected to train hundreds of youths annually in key trades aligned with Nigeria’s growing industrial needs.
Dr. Ogun reaffirmed ITF’s commitment to identifying similar facilities nationwide and turning them into skill development powerhouses.
“This is just the beginning. We are mobilizing. We are partnering. And we will not stop until every willing Nigerian youth has a chance to learn, earn, and thrive,” he concluded.
