The Nigerian Institute of Leather Science and Technology (NLIST), has upgraded its Sokoto office to a regional centre to enable it to carry out its mandates effectively.
As a result, Sokoto state governor Ahmed Aliyu has assured his administration’s support for the newly created centre.
The governor made this pledge while receiving the Director-General of NLIST, Dr. Awwal Mustafa Imam, who paid him a courtesy visit.
Governor Aliyu commended the Director-General for the foresight in upgrading the Sokoto office to a regional centre, emphasizing its potential to boost the region’s economic status, especially in Sokoto State.
“The activities of this institute align with my administration’s 9-point Smart Innovative Agenda, which aims to reduce unemployment and create job opportunities for our people. Upgrading the Sokoto office to a regional centre is the right decision, considering Sokoto’s heritage as the home of leather. Even the famous Moroccan leather originated from Sokoto, made from our renowned Sokoto red goats,” the governor stated.
He assured the Director-General of his administration’s commitment to supporting the regional centre to ensure its effectiveness. The governor also appealed for job opportunities for Sokoto indigenes at the newly upgraded centre and called for stronger collaboration between the state government and NLIST.
Earlier, Dr. Awwal Mustafa Imam explained that the upgrade was necessitated by Sokoto’s strategic position in the leather industry. He revealed plans to equip the regional office with state-of-the-art facilities, including heavy equipment relocated from Zaria, the construction of an effluent water treatment plant, and the renovation of the tannery.
Dr. Imam also called on the Sokoto State government to sponsor its indigenes to study leather-related courses offered by the institute, noting the significant potential of Nigeria’s leather industry to generate substantial revenue if properly supported.
“We have mobilized contractors to return to the site for the ongoing projects, ensuring that the centre can compete with the headquarters and other centres. Additionally, we are seeking collaboration with members of the National Assembly in the region to include the centre in their constituency projects for skills acquisition training,” Dr. Imam added.
He also highlighted the need for increased manpower at the institute, urging states to encourage their citizens to pursue studies in leather and leather products.
Dr. Imam commended Nasiru Bodinga, a federal lawmaker representing Bodinga, Dange Shuni, and Tureta Federal Constituency, for his contributions to the upgrade of the office.
He also announced the appointment of Garba Ajiya Kilgori, a Sokoto indigene, as the pioneer Coordinator of the regional centre.
The Director-General presented a formal letter confirming the office’s upgrade to a regional centre to the governor during the visit.
