The Director General, Industrial Training Fund, Sir Joseph Ari has explained reasons behind his conferment with the Chieftaincy title of Kurnajam of Goemai Nation which means “Minister of Defence of Goemai Nation.
The title which was conferred on him by the first class traditional ruler and the 31st King of Shendam land in Plateau State, Nigeria, Long Gamai of Gamai Nation, HRH Miskoom Martin Muduutrie Shaldas lll, is one of the highest decision making titles in the land.
Speaking at a forum in Abuja, the ITF boss, Sir Ari who is known for his huge passion for skills, entrepreneurial and human capacity development as well as his impeccable contribution to the development of the Nigerian economy gave an insight to his conferment.
“Coincidentally, on the first of this month (January), it is a tradition of my people that when a new year comes, all the people both in the country and in diaspora come together, congregate with all their families so that they come home to know home and to know what happens.
“It was at that point that the entire kingdom gave me the recognition of the kurnajam which means “the Minister of Defence”, you are the defender of your people.
“So, for you to be given this you are automatically made an inner circle member of the cabinet,” he said.
He further said despite the enormous challenges and responsibilities that come with the Chieftaincy title, he is ready to give his all in the service of his people to justify the confidence reposed on him, as there is no decision that is taken without the Kurnajam’s input.
“That is the pride of the place they have put me and its comes with a new challenge. I see it as a challenge to justify that confidence reposed in me. I see it as a challenge to be exemplary in all I do, and I see it as a challenge to do them proud because Charity begins at home. So if your home base acknowledges your efforts, and so recognizes you, you have to justify that confidence and you have to live above board so that you live up the name that they have so recognized you,” he added.
The ITF Director General who also bagged the “2022 Plateau Man of The Year Award”, transformed the once dormant Organisation from one that was incapable of actualizing its mandate through staff reorientation programme to a globally recognised grade “A” Federal Government Parastatal, in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment that positively imparted thousands of Nigerians with employable and entrepreneurial skills for a better nation.
