The Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company in fulfilling its Corporate Social Responsibility, commenced its Vocational Skills Acquisition Programme earlier today at the New Kuchingoro IDP Camp, Kaura District, Abuja.
The 2 months vocational training programme which is coordinated by the Industrial Training Fund is focused on skill acquisition in the area of Masonry (Block making/ laying), Plumbing, Electrical Installation.
In a welcome address, the Executive Director, NMRC, Dr. Chii Akporji stated that the role of NMRC was to promote mortgage by releasing money to banks to give out mortgage. She noted that lack of skill is a major challenge facing housing in Nigeria. She cited that some incidences of building collapse can be traced to the lack of building skills.
The Executive Director disclosed that the goal of the training programme is to eventually build a network of NMRC artisans. She added that the platform will serve as a channel for job placement for the artisans. She explained that the inaugural set of trainees will not be less than 45 while the consequent ones will be more than the present number.
Speaking at the commencement of the training programme, the Director General, ITF, Sir Joseph N. Ari represented by the Area Manager, Industrial Training Fund, Usman M.Y Dadi thanked NMRC for bringing the ITF onboard to coordinate the programme.
According to him, the Industrial Training Fund is the only medium of government for job and wealth creation. He highlighted current efforts of ITF, noting that through the Women Skills Empowerment Programme, ITF has trained 30 women in Event Management and bakery. He added that the organization has employed the use of 6 mobile workshops.
Worthy of note, the Area Manager mentioned that ITF also undertakes training in the Construction industry to ensure the industry is free of building collapse. He added that ITF through this has trained many artisans.
Representing the Trainees, the IDP Camp Chairman, Philemon Emmanuel thanked NMRC for bringing the Skill Acquisition programme to the Camp.
Giving the Closing Remarks, The Camp Coordinator, Programme Trainees/Beneficiaries, Lynette Johnson thanked the NMRC for the programme adding that it was much needed to ensure creation of jobs for the members of the IDP Camp.
