The Industrial Training Fund has denied reports alleging attempts to relocate its headquarters from Jos, Plateau State.
In a statement issued on Friday by its Head of Press and Public Relations, Thomas Ngor, the ITF clarified that there are no plans to move its headquarters.
PUNCH Online reports that the Plateau State House of Assembly, during plenary on Thursday, passed a resolution rejecting the purported plan to relocate the ITF headquarters from Jos to Abuja.
The House, presided over by Speaker Naanlong Daniel, unanimously resolved that such a move would severely impact the state’s economy and heritage.
The resolution followed a matter of urgent public importance raised by Theodore Bala Maiyaki, lawmaker representing Quaan-Pan South Constituency.
However, the ITF in its statement faulted the Assembly’s position, emphasising its commitment to Jos and Plateau State, citing longstanding historical ties and socio-economic contributions to the region.
“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 statement read.
The Fund assured the public that neither its management nor the governing council nor the supervising ministry has considered relocating the headquarters. “There is no proposed relocation of the ITF headquarters from Jos, despite the Honourable Member’s claims,” it added.
The ITF also expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with the state government and other stakeholders to address concerns and strengthen cooperation.
“The Fund welcomes dialogue with the state government and relevant stakeholders to address concerns and strengthen collaborative efforts for mutual benefit,” the statement noted.
It further urged the public to disregard relocation rumours, stating, “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,” it concluded.
