Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, on Wednesday, said his administration would partner with the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST), to boost leather technology and production in the state.

The governor said this when the director-general of the NILEST, Prof. Mohammed Yakubu, paid him a courtesy visit on Wednesday in Maiduguri. 

He said such collaboration was imperative toward creating employment opportunities through vocational technology and contributing 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,” Mr Zulum said.

The governor also directed the ministry of education to compile the names of 54 youths, two from each of the 27 local government areas of the state, for intensive training in leather technology and production.

Mr Zulum said the state government was not aware of the activities of the agency in the Maiduguri centre, adding that: “Borno State Government is willing to connect with your institution, unfortunately, the activities of the Maiduguri centre are not known to many of us here.

“I was the pioneer Commissioner of the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement. Honestly speaking, I just heard about the Maiduguri centre,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Yakubu lauded the governor for his exemplary leadership qualities.

“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,” he said.

He assured the governor of the NILEST’s commitment to partnering with the state government to revive the leather production in the state.

Mr Yakubu saud the agency was established in 1964 as a hide and skin demonstration training while the Maiduguri centre was set up in 1972.

 (NAN)