NMRC, ITF, train IDPs on vocational skills

The Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC), in collaboration with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), has commenced a two-month skills training for youths in New Kuchingoro Internally Displaced Peoples Camp (IDPs).
The camp is located in the Federal Capital Territory.

Dr. Chii Akporji, the Executive Director, Strategy, Partnerships and Business Development in NMRC at the opening in Abuja on Monday, said 45 youths had been selected to benefit from the first phase of the programme.

She said the beneficiaries of the first phase of the training would be trained on masonry, plumbing and electrical installation.
Akpori said the involvement of NMRC in skills acquisition for youths followed the company’s belief in the development of the entire value chain in the building sector.
According to her, the company’s interest cut across the entire value chain within the building sector.

She said the value chain included land/Plots acquisitions, titles processing, construction and delivery, mortgage origination, administration and refinancing.
“The skills acquisition programme falls under the construction segment of the value chain and for us at NMRC, it is part of our contribution to address the 17 million housing deficit in Nigeria.

“One of the major constraints militating against the growth of the housing sector in Nigeria has been identified to be the lack of skilled artisans to deliver the houses.
“Apart from addressing skilled artisans’ deficit, the programme is also part of our corporate social responsibility targeted at empowering youths in the camp to be able to provide for their families,” she said.

She further said plans had been concluded by the company to create a platform for the beneficiaries to assist them in securing employment in construction companies at the end of the programme.
Alhaji Usman Sani, the Deputy Director, Abuja Area Office of ITF said 15 trainees were expected in each of the trade areas.

He said ITF would provide the required vocational technical skills required for the programme, adding that beneficiaries were expected to perfect their skills at the end of the training.
“The beneficiaries would be certified by ITF at the end of the two months and therefore, we are urging these lucky ones to be committed to the programme,’’ Sani said.
Mr. Philemon Emmanuel, the Chairman, New Kuchingoro IDP Camp expressed delight on the laudable steps taken by the two establishments to train the young people.

He said NMRC had in 2016, drilled a borehole and distributed food items to the IDPs in the camp, adding that the skills acquisition programme was required to re-arrange the fortunes of the IDPs.
Emmanuel said the training would provide means of livelihood for the beneficiaries as well as help to restore hopes of affected families in the camp