Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, said his administration will partner with the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST), a federal government institute located in Samaru, Zaria, to boost leather technology and production in Borno.
The governor made this known on Wednesday when he received a delegation from NILEST led by its Director General/CEO, Professor Mohammed Kabir Yakubu, on a courtesy visit in Maiduguri at the council chamber of the Government House.
Zulum stated that the collaboration aims 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.
The governor also directed the Ministry of Education to compile the names of 54 youths (2 from each of the 27 local governments) for intensive training on leather technology and production.
However, Zulum lamented that Borno State Government is 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.
Professor Yakubu stated 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 Region Government, while the centre in Maiduguri was established in 1972.
