The member representing Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency, Alhaji Danladi Suleiman Aguye has trained youths and women in the constituency in specialized footwear and leather-goods production.
The training was facilitated by the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST), a premier institution in Sub-Saharan Africa dedicated to research and training in leather-related fields.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony held in Lokoja, Alhaji Danladi commended the participants for their resilience and dedication, describing the event as a significant step toward youth empowerment and economic self-reliance.
According to him, the programme, which is part of NILEST’s broader mandate and corporate social responsibility, is aimed at equipping participants with practical skills for self-employment, business creation, and community development.
The Lawmaker emphasized the importance of skills acquisition in nation-building and encouraged the beneficiaries to leverage their training to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the local economy.
He also praised NILEST for its pivotal role in the national leather industry, including the development of the National Leather Policy and training centres across Nigeria.
In his remarks, Director-General/CEO of NILEST, Dr. Auwal Mustapha Imam, represented by Mallam Lawal Nuhu explained that “the event highlighted a successful partnership between government representatives and educational institutions to address youth unemployment and promote skill-based development.”
“This training has once again given the resource persons the opportunity to interact with and impacted knowledge in the Women and Youths selected from across the parts of this great and resourceful Confluence State of Kogi. It has also afforded the Beneficiaries the opportunity to learn new skills of which if well managed, will enhance their economic value and improve their living conditions forever.
“The graduated participants, today marks a new Chapter in your journey. You have worked hard to acquire skills that will empower you to build better lives for yourselves and others around you. As you receive your Certificates, remember that this is not just a culmination of a Programme, but a Launchpad for your future.
The participants were presented with certificates approved by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, along with starter packs and start-up funds to aid their entrepreneurial journey.
