By MBAFAN ADE, Abuja –
The Industrial Training Fund (ITF), has dismissed media reports of alleged attempts to relocate its headquarters from Jos, the Plateau State capital.
These reports stem from a Matter of Urgent Public Importance raised during a recent plenary session of the Plateau State House of Assembly by the Member representing Quaan-Pan South Constituency, Hon. Theodore Bala Maiyaki.
In a statement issued on Friday, the ITF noted that while it appreciates the efforts of Honourable Maiyaki to represent his constituency and Plateau State as required by his office, the State Legislator’s 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, ITF in the statement by its Head, Press and Public Relations, Thomas Ngor, categorically said there was no proposed relocation of the agency’s headquarters from Jos, despite the Honourable Member’s claims.
The rest of the statement said:
“The relocation of agencies involves several processes, none of which have been contemplated by the responsible authorities within the ITF critical to such decisions. Neither the Management nor the Governing Council of the ITF, nor the supervising Ministry—the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment—has considered any speculated relocation.
“On the contrary, the ITF 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.
“The 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. The Fund welcomes dialogue with the state government and relevant stakeholders to address concerns and strengthen collaborative efforts for mutual benefit.
“In light of the above, the ITF reaffirms its commitment to its heritage and responsibilities in Jos and urges the public to disregard rumours of relocation as unfounded and misleading”.
