Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has assured full support for the state office of the Nigeria Institute of Leather Science and Technology recently upgraded to a regional office.

Mr Aliyu gave the assurance while receiving the Director-General of institute, Dr Awwal Imam, during a courtesy visit in Sokoto on Saturday.

He commended the DG’s initiative to elevate the Sokoto office to a regional status.

The governor emphasised that the move would boost the economic development of the state and the region at large.

He said, “The activities of this institute align perfectly with my administration’s nine-point Smart Innovative Agenda to address unemployment and create job opportunities for our people, Sokoto, known as the home of leather, has long been recognised for its quality products, including the globally renowned Moroccan leather, derived from Sokoto’s red goats. This administration pledged unwavering support to ensure the newly created regional office operates effectively.”

He further appealed for increased employment opportunities for Sokoto State indigenes at the centre.

The governor said, “We look forward to fostering stronger collaboration with NLIST for the benefit of our people.’’

Earlier, Mr Imam explained that the decision to upgrade the office was based on the strategic role Sokoto plays in the country’s leather industry.

He stated that the state office would now serve as a regional centre to enable it to effectively fulfil its mandates.

Mr Imam added that plans were underway to equip the regional office with state-of-the-art facilities.

He added, “We have inspected the facility and directed the transfer of heavy equipment from Zaria to Sokoto. Contractors have also been mobilised to return to the site to construct an effluent treatment plant and renovate the tannery, ensuring the centre competes favourably with the headquarters and other centres.’’

Mr Imam called on the state government to sponsor the state’s indigenes to study leather-related courses being offered by the institute,

The director-general said the industry has the potential to significantly boost Nigeria’s economy, if adequately supported.

He however appealed to the members of the National Assembly from the region to include the centre in their constituency projects and encourage skills acquisition training for their constituents.

Mr Imam highlighted the institute’s need for adequate manpower, urging states to send students to the centre for training in leather production and products.

As a formal gesture, Mr Imam presented the official letter confirming the upgrade to the governor and announced Garba Kilgori, a Sokoto State indigene, as its pioneer coordinator.

(NAN)