The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has reaffirmed its commitment to its heritage and responsibilities and urged members of the public to disregard rumours of the relocation of its headquarters from Jos.
LEADERSHIP Weekend reports that the Plateau State House of Assembly, in a matter of urgent public importance raised on Thursday during plenary session by the member representing Quaan-Pan South Constituency, Hon. Theodore Bala Maiyaki, had vowed to resist any attempt to relocate ITF headquarters from the state.
In a swift reaction via statement in Jos by the head, Press and Public Relations, Thomas Ngor, the ITF appreciated the efforts of the member to represent his constituency and Plateau State as required by his office.
According to the statement his motion in this instance was unnecessarily alarmist, based on false information, and risks harming the cordial and harmonious relationship that has historically existed between the ITF and the people of Plateau State.
“To address any doubts or potential ill-will caused by the motion, the ITF wishes to clarify that there is no proposed relocation of the ITF headquarters from Jos.
He further stressed, “Despite the member’s claims, the relocation of agencies involves several processes, none of which have been contemplated neither by the Management, the Governing Council and the supervising Ministry, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment has considered any speculated relocation.”
The statement added that on the contrary, the fund deeply values its longstanding historical ties and socio-economic contributions to Plateau State, which have been integral to its identity since 1976, when the Fund’s headquarters was relocated from Lagos to Jos.
Ngor also maintained that ITF remains committed to fostering industrial and economic growth in Plateau State and Nigeria, with Jos as the central hub for its operations in the foreseeable future.
He added that the fund welcomes dialogue with the state government and relevant stakeholders to address concerns and strengthen collaborative efforts for mutual benefit.