Governor Ahmed Aliyu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Nigeria Institute of Leather Science and Technology (NLIST) as it upgrades its Sokoto office to a regional centre.
The Governor made this pledge while receiving NLIST’s Director-General, Dr Awwal Mustafa Imam, during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Sokoto.
Governor Aliyu lauded the initiative to elevate the Sokoto office, emphasizing its potential to boost the region’s economy and align with his administration’s nine-point Smart Innovative Agenda focused on job creation and reducing unemployment.
“The activities of this institute directly complement our agenda to empower the youth through job opportunities,” the Governor noted. “Upgrading the Sokoto office to a regional centre is a step in the right direction, especially as Sokoto is historically recognized as the home of leather. Even the globally acclaimed Moroccan leather traces its origin to our famous Sokoto red goats.”
Governor Aliyu assured the Director-General of his administration’s unwavering support to ensure the new regional centre operates effectively. He also called for the recruitment of more Sokoto indigenes to fill roles at the centre and foster local development.
“We look forward to a stronger collaboration with NLIST to advance the well-being of our people,” the Governor said.
Earlier in his remarks, Dr Awwal Mustafa Imam explained that NLIST’s decision to upgrade the Sokoto office reflects the state’s strategic importance in the leather industry.
He revealed that significant efforts are underway to equip the new regional centre with modern facilities.
“We have already directed the transfer of heavy equipment from Zaria to Sokoto and mobilised contractors to resume work on key projects, including an effluent water treatment plant and the renovation of the tannery,” Dr Imam stated.
He further appealed to the state government to sponsor Sokoto indigenes to pursue leather-related courses offered by the institute, emphasising that the leather industry has the potential to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy if adequately supported.
Dr Imam also urged members of the National Assembly from the region to consider including the new centre in their constituency projects to provide skills acquisition opportunities for their constituents.
The Director-General commended Hon. Nasiru Shehu Bodinga, Member of the House of Representatives representing Bodinga, Dange Shuni, and Tureta Federal Constituency, for his efforts in facilitating the office’s upgrade to a regional centre.
In addition, Dr Imam presented Governor Aliyu with the official letter confirming the upgrade and announced Garba Ajiya Kilgori, a Sokoto indigene, as the pioneer Coordinator of the Sokoto Regional Centre.
The Governor expressed his appreciation and reiterated his administration’s readiness to partner with NLIST in promoting economic growth and skill development in the state.
READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
