Jutha Gupah, Maiduguri
The Federal Government has approved the establishment of an Industrial Equipment and Machinery Development Institute (IEMDI) in Borno State.
The Institute is also to be provided with a Skills Acquisition Centre (SAC) in addressing unemployment and poverty among youths and women in the Northeast.
The IEMDI is to be sited on a 30-hectare of land in Maiduguri, the state capital.
Unveiling the new Institute, over the weekend (Friday), in Maiduguri, the Executive Vice Chairman, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure NASENI), Prof. Mohammed Haruna disclosed: “President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the establishment of IEMDI and SAC in the state.”
According to him, the approvals of the two projects by the President were of Governor Babagana Zulum’s excellent performances and leadership in the state.
He said that the development of the Institute is for research, designs and the manufacture of tools, machines, processing of various crops and other equipment.
“These could also fast track the establishment of cottage industries in the Northeast region,” he said, adding that Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states were affected in the 13-year Boko Haram insurgency that claimed many lives and property.
Besides, he added that the Institute will also produce spare parts for all the equipment and tools that could ensure the industrialization of not only the state, but the northeast region.
Speaking on SAC, he said: “Many of our youths and women without formal education will acquire various skills that could make them self-reliant.”
He said that the President has already approved skills-development training for 100 youths.
According to him, the trainees are to be selected from each of the 27 local Councils in vulcanizing and plumbing.
“After their training, each of the participants will receive a starter pack that contains all the modern kits of their professions,” he said.
Responding, Governor Zulum directed the allocation of 30 hectres of land for the sitting of the two projects in the state.
He said the allocation of land for the projects be made on Saturday, January 14, 2023, with all the required documentations completed in a week by the Borno Geographic Information Service (BOGIS).
