Borno to partner FG on leather production

The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum on Wednesday reiterated his administration’s readiness to partner the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST) to boost leather technology and production in the state.

Zulum made this known when he received a delegation from NILEST, led by its Director General/CEO, Mohammed Kabir Yakubu, a professor, at the Maiduguri Government House.

He disclosed that the collaboration aimed to create employment opportunities through vocational technology and contribute to the overall economic development of the region.

“We shall key into your activities. I am particularly interested in creating wealth through technical and vocational education,” Zulum said.

Zulum also directed the Ministry of Education to compile the names of 54 youths (two from each of the 27 local governments) for intensive training on leather technology and production.

Zulum however, lamented that Borno State Government was not aware of the activities of NILEST Maiduguri centre.

“Borno State Government is willing to connect with your institution, but unfortunately, the activities of the Maiduguri centre are not known to many of us here. I was the pioneer commissioner of the Ministry of RRR. Honestly speaking, I just heard about the Maiduguri centre,” Zulum said.

Speaking earlier, NILEST Director-General commended Borno State governor for his exemplary leadership of the people of Borno.

“You have paid your dues and proven your worth by providing purposeful and impactful leadership. You displayed extreme humanity, empathy and sympathy when you insisted that the people must come first,” Professor Yakubu said.

He assured the governor of NILEST’s commitment to partnering with Borno State Government and reviving leather production in the state.

Yakubu said that the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology was established in 1964 as a hide and skin demonstration training project following a call by the then Northern Regional Government, while the centre in Maiduguri was established in 1972.