By Dupson Collins, 8th August, 2026
Ondo State Artisans Group (OSAG) under the leadership of Apostle Adefioye Gbenga-Gure has applauded the kind gesture of the Director General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Dr Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun on the four slots allocated to Artisans from Ondo State in the ongoing ITF Master Trainer Course in Abuja.
The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) launched an intensive 8-week Train-the-Trainer and Master Certification program under the Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) initiative, kick starting the pilot phase with initial 100 participants (80 ITF Instructors and 20 Master Artisans).
In the Master Artisans Category, 20 participants were shortlisted, of which four of them were from Ondo State, namely Azeez Adigun, Kamilu Ishola, Olanrewaju Akinola and Ayomide Samuel Oni.
Speaking with the PATH, the State President of OSAG thanked Dr Afiz Ogun for the consideration given to artisans from Ondo State, saying the training will not only strengthen Nigeria’s technical workforce but reduce dependence on foreign skilled labour.
Apostle Gure implored Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Senators and House of Representative Members from Ondo State to partner with the Certified Master Trainers through OSAG with intent of training other Artisans in the state.
He added that, state government should provide funding support that will enable beneficiaries to become self-reliant after completing the programme.
The President-General also appreciated the support of Governor Aiyedatiwa to artisans in the state, assuring his leadership of Artisans support and cooperation at all time.
Speaking at the opening ceremony in Abuja, the Director-General of ITF, Dr.Afiz Oluwatoyin-Ogun, said the programme, which covers five trade areas, would also be implemented across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
He explained that participants would receive internationally recognised certification upon completion of the intensive training, adding that globally certified experts had been engaged to deliver the programme and improve the standard of artisan practice in Nigeria.
Dr. Oluwatoyin-Ogun noted that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly in the area of upgrading and empowering Nigerian artisans.
