Some residents of Bauchi have commended the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) for its fishery skills training programme in the state.
ITF has initiated a three-month fishery training for over 100 youth and women under the 2022 National Industrial Skills Development Programme (NISDP) and Agripreneurship Skills Empowerment Programme (Ag SEP).
The exercise, which is designed to expose the youths to fish farming to enable them to become self-reliant, has commenced August 2022 and will end November, 2022.
A cross session of the beneficiaries, who spoke in Bauchi on Thursday, said the gesture has availed them opportunities to learn fishery skills and engage in profitable venture.
One of the trainees, Mrs Favour Philemon said she learnt a lot from the training programme, adding that the exercise impacted positively and equipped her with skills to set up her business.
“We are exposed to breeding, brooding and other interesting things about fish culture.
“I count myself lucky to be part of the fishery training programme because I have been idle since my graduation from school,” she said.
She, however, urged the Federal Government and the ITF to assist the beneficiaries with starter packs to enable them set up their businesses at the end of the exercise.
Another beneficiary, Mrs Esther Dokas, said the gesture would stimulate job creation for the youths, reduce poverty and enhance wealth creation in the society.
She expressed readiness to ensure effective utilisation of the skills by engaging in production, and encouraging youths to shun idleness by engaging in productive activities.
