ITF boss explains how mobile phone material was locally sourced

The director-general/CEO of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Sir Joseph N. Ari, has explained that the ITF Mobile  Android GSM smart phone which was formally presented to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja recently was produced with 100 percent locally sourced material. 

In an interview with newsmen in Abuja, Ari said in terms of quality and performance, the ITF mobile phone is comparable or even superior to most Android phones currently in our markets. 

The DG explained that the ITF mobile phone, which was comparable in quality to any other brand of Android Phone in the world, was assembled by the ITF Model Skills Training Centre (MSTC), Abuja, as part of the implementation of the vision of the incumbent Management of the ITF with particular emphasis on research and development.

Ari said this breakthrough is proof that given the enabling environment and opportunities, Nigerians will unleash their creative potentials. 

He further disclosed that plans were afoot to commence mass production of the phone preparatory for introduction into the market. 

“Plans are at an advanced stage to ensure commencement of the mass production of the smart phone, making it available and affordable, which in turn will expand the GSM phone market and create more jobs in the process. 

“We are presently putting processes in place with the relevant regulatory agencies towards quality assurance, legal framework and intellectual rights amongst others. Our vision is to create a mass production hub that will churn out products that will be available to all Nigerians”, he said.

While commending the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari for its policies of encouragement of innovation and creativity and for its initiatives that gave birth to this breakthrough, he appealed for increased funding for the ITF to ensure full actualisation of its mandate. 

Ari also commended the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), Otunba Richard Adeniyi Adebayo, CON and his counterpart, Ambassador Mariam Yalwaji Katagum, for providing qualitative leadership that has unleashed innovativeness and creativity of agencies and parastatals under the ministry.