Director-General ITF, Dr. Afiz Ogun Tasks Ondo State Artisans’ Group To Register, Participate in SUPA program for Skill Upgrade

By Dupson Collins, 17th March, 2026

The Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Dr. Afiz Ogun, has tasked Ondo State Artisans’ Group Members to register and participate in the Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) programme, a Federal Government initiative designed to upgrade their skills for international certification and License artisans to boost productivity and economic growth.

The DG stated this while addressing Members of the Ondo State Artisans Group (OSAG)at the group Secretariat in Akure, Ondo State. Dr Afiz Ogun was welcomed into the state by hundreds of Artisans at the Akure Airport, amidst jubilation.

Addressing the OSAG members, Ogun said SUPA program is part of President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda to empower millions of artisans in Nigeria to reduce unemployment, and to strengthen the Nigerian workforce.

He described President Tinubu as the first President in Nigeria that prioritize the welfare of Artisans, saying the continuity of SUPA program and other programmes for Artisans depend on the re-election of the President back to office in 2027.

” President Tinubu is the only president in the history of Nigeria that recognize artisans and he has mandated me to work with artisans across the country.

On this platform Artisans has been enjoying diverse windows of opportunities today in ITF”.

He added that, the Skill Up Artisan SUPA Programme focuses on training, certifying, and licensing artisans across various trades to meet global standards, with aims to bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern innovations in the Global markets.

” This is achieved by introducing digital tools, improved techniques, and standardized practices. Participants will gain hands-on experience and exposure to industry best practices. In addition, they will access opportunities that can improve their productivity and income potential”.

Dr. Ogun added that, President Tinubu determination to promote self-reliance, reduce unemployment, and support economic growth and Artisans Exportation gave birth to the programme.

This is accomplished by strengthening the artisan sector. Upon successful completion, participants may receive certification that enhances their credibility and employability.

He frowned at the lackadaisical attitude of the people from the western part of the country towards many Federal Government programmes that are life changing, saying thousands of Northerners are beneficiaries and graduates of ITF rom SUPA programmes.

“Asiwaju have more delopmental programmes for Artisans but it is a pity that our people lackadaisical attitude towards government programme is inadequate and alarming and he called for our change of attitude; our people from the north embrace every government programmes without relenting or care about the outcome, that is why they are the highest beneficiaries of any Federal Government programmes and policies”.

He urged artisans in the Fashion sector, which has highest number of members to register and participate in the ongoing SUPA registration, saying business incubation of N5m would be given to each of the participant that is capture and pass examination to be conducted by the agency.

While assuring Mechanic among the artisans of #21m as business incubation which has been slated for next year, Dr Ogun said Artisans Sectetariat would be a Registration point for those listed in Fashion Category of the SUPA program.

Dr Ogun advised the leadership of the Group to allow peace and unity to prevail saying he’s ready to settle any internal crisis that might bring division, saying that the unity of Artisans will further strengthen the group in Ondo State.

” Henceforth, whenever I visit Ondo State, I know where to visit and relate with when it comes to Artisans matters. Those in the other side, I can only enjoin them to join the authentic group as a Peace keeper but one thing I can assure your leadership is that, my office will only recognize and deal with you on matters of Artisans in Ondo State”.

Speaking, the President General of Artisans in Ondo State, Apostle Adefioye Gbenga-Gure thanked the Director General for the historic visit and recognition given to his OSAG led umbrella body in Ondo State.

Comrade Gure said the Director General has always be a unifying factor that stands by the truth without compromising his integrity, assuring him of continue support of all associations and unions under OSAG.

He commended President Tinubu and ITF leadership for coming up with SUPA, a life changing programme designed by the federal government to add value to Artisans in Nigeria.

The President assured Dr Ogun of overwhelming support of all the artisans in Ondo State ahead of the 2027 Presidential election, saying Mr President unprecedented strides to Artisans would definitely earn him the votes of Artisans in Ondo State.

He equally appreciated the DG over his financial support to the Group, mostly on the promised to complete the Secretariat of the group in due course.

On his part, the Senior Special Assistant on Youth Development and Job Creation, Hon Gbayiselore lauded Dr Ogun constant visit to the Artisans body, saying Ondo State Governor is Artisan’s friendly governor who prioritize the welfare of the group.

He urged Artisans in the state to key into different programmes facilitated by the state government, noting that, Governor Aiyedatiwa has several programmes design to to promote and boost Artisans in Ondo State.

The President General used the medium to assure Governor Aiyedatiwa of Artisans unflinching support for his cardinal program of change agenda while also reminded the Governor of his promises to establish Artisans Development and Welfare Board for Human Capacity development and Economic growth of the State.