NMRC, ITF empower artisans in housing construction skills

In a bid to boost capacity in the industry, the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC) has partnered with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) to train about 40 unemployed and vulnerable youths on technical skills needed in building production.

Fifteen out of the 40 beneficiaries comprised female victims of various forms of human trafficking and domestic abuse under the care of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). The beneficiaries were trained through a two-months intensive program in electrical installation, plumbing, screeding/painting and interior decoration.

Speaking at the closing ceremony/graduation of the trainees, the Managing Director/Chief Executive, NMRC, Mr. Kehinde Ogundimu noted that the training program is part of NMRC’s ongoing strategic community outreach initiative.

He stressed that NMRC’s goal is to impact lives, empower unemployed and vulnerable persons as well contribute to ongoing efforts to redress the skills gap in the building industry in Nigeria which is often cited as one of the key constraints to the growth of a robust housing market.

He thanked management of the ITF for the continued partnership and timely completion of the training program. Ogundimu also expressed appreciation to NAPTIP for their collaboration and encouraged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the skills they have acquired.

The Director-General, Industrial Training Fund, Joseph Ari, represented by the Area Manager, ITF, Abuja, Danladi Wase commended NMRC for sustaining the yearly empowerment program. He said that the training has given the beneficiaries the chance to take charge of their lives.

On his part, the head of training, ITF, Dr. Kemi Abayeh lamented the high unemployment rate in the country has highlighted the need for strategic partnerships with corporate bodies to help fix the problem.

Dr. Abayeh noted that the program has helped to create jobs, alleviate poverty and ensure economic development in the country.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Kinayor Lenebari, expressed appreciation to NMRC and ITF for empowering them with the capacity to lead more economically viable lives and become more responsible Nigerian citizens.

NMRC also provided the graduates with relevant start-up tool kits in their respective fields of training to enable them to ply their new skills.