By Remi Basorun
NILEST Zaria, today, the 28th of March 2024, graduates 30 Southern Kaduna Youths who have been intensively trained in Footwear Manufacture for a period of 6 Weeks. The 6 Weeks skills acquisition and empowerment were sponsored by the Defence Headquarters, Abuja through, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa CON, conducted by NILEST from 18th February to 28th March 2024 at the Maryamu and Yakubu Skills Development and Educational Foundation, Ungwan Wakili, Zango Katad Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Presenting the Graduation Address Prof. Mohammed Kabir Yakubu, the Director-General/CEO NILEST, who was represented at the Event by the Director of Leather and Leather Products Technology, Dr. Julius Putshaka said the present challenges being faced by global economies have considerably altered economic equations globally. According to him, large-scale entrepreneurship and job creation are the twin battlefronts through which the society can effectively combat poverty and hunger in our communities.
The DG added that in this Era, only those who have skills will get jobs, and only those that are educated can acquire skills. Stressing further, Prof Yakubu informed that the 30 Graduands having been trained by the best hands, have acquired skills in Footwear Manufacture and have by that, automatically become self-dependent and self-supporting to start their business. The DG then reiterated that NILEST by its skills acquisition training programme is creating jobs, wealth, and fighting hunger in Nigeria. The DG concluded by congratulating the Graduands, and urged them to make the best use of the skills acquired and, the Startup Equipments provided to them by the Sponsor.
Presenting his remarks the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa through, Brig. Gen. Michael Ogar Agi, the Chief of Staff, Operation Safe Haven who represented him noted that providing the youths with the opportunity to acquire practical skills was not only aimed at helping them become self-sufficient but, to forster the sense of purpose and productivity that will help combat idleness, criminality, farm destruction and other antisocial behaviors prevalent among the youths in communities. ‘Skill acquisition is therefore, a notable measure appropriately fit for taken the vulnerable youths out of streets”. The CDS added
Offering advice to graduands, the Gen. Musa urged them to leverage on the new learnt skills to become good Ambassadors of the southern-Kaduna and Nigeria in general. The CDS use the occasion to appeal to all Stakeholders to reaffirm commitment by supporting and encouraging the youths with the necessary skills needed to take them out of poverty and, discourage social vices in Nigerian society.
The event rounded up with gifting of Start-up Equipments to the beneficiaries
