By Shedrack Fran

The Bayelsa Government says it will collaborate with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) for a comprehensive agricultural policy that includes training, and promotion of self-reliance.

The Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo spoke on Wednesday when a delegation of ITF from the Bayelsa Area Office paid him a courtesy visit in Yenagoa.

Ewhrudjakpo noted that ITF’s mandate was in line with the state government’s determination to empower Bayelsa people with skills for economic growth.

Describing the visit as apt and timely, the Deputy Governor expressed optimism that both parties would benefit from the proposed collaboration.

He decried the situation whereby the ITF was not directly funded by the Federal Government and called for a change to enable the agency discharge its responsibility effectively.

Ewhrudjakpo said that given the challenges of inadequate resources facing Bayelsa, the government would not be able to completely fund the operations of ITF in the state.

“But, let me say that I’m not pleased with your funding arrangement. It is like a parent who gives birth and tells the child to fend for himself,’’ he said.

Earlier, the Bayelsa Area Manager of the ITF, Mrs Stella Titilola-Baiyere had stated that the delegation was in the deputy governor’s office to seek areas of partnership with the state government.

Titilola-Baiyere stated that the agency has the requisite personnel and expertise to train Bayelsa people in virtually every area of human endeavour.

She urged the state government to take advantage of the available opportunities to improve the lot of the people.

Titilola-Baiyere expressed optimism that the collaboration would translate to service delivery for the benefit of all the key stakeholders. (NAN)