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Dangote partners German govt on youth training to address skills deficit
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The Aliko Dangote Foundation in partnership with Germany’s VDMA a German Association of Engineering Industry and its Foundation for Young Talent in Mechanical Engineering (NWS) have officially launched a technical training program in Nigeria, in a bid to significantly address the skill deficit in all the key sectors of the nation’s economy.
KANO FOCUS reports that the president of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote said this at the official launching of the programme on Wednesday.
He said that the landmark program is a Seven-million Euro investment, a large percentage of which is for the specialized, leading-edge equipment that has been shipped from Germany and installed in five workshops purpose-built for this program at Dangote Academy in Obajana.
He also said the beneficiaries will be trained, using these machines, so they can learn practical skills that will be transferable as they enter the work force.
This program, according to him, is the first of its kind in Nigeria, and will be replicated in all the six geo-political zones of the country.
Noting that vocational and technical skills are vital to the well-being of any economy, as key levers for growth, specifically in the manufacturing sector, Dangote said significant skills gaps exist in Nigeria, which is what this program is seeking to address.
“The trainees that successfully pass through the full vocational training will be prepared as well-rounded professionals.
“In addition to the technical training, they will also get personal effectiveness trainings of same quality as our staff” He said.
In a remark Germany’s minister for economic cooperation and development, Dr. Gerd muller, lauded the Aliko Dangote Foundation and VDMA for the enviable program that can transform and develop the economy of Nigeria.
He said his ministry has supported the initiative with €3.6 million and will not hesitate to do more for the purpose of the initiatives to be achieved.
On his part the VDMA past president, Dr Reinhold Fostge stated that “I am very happy that this has become reality eventually in Nigeria. We started six years ago. Four years ago, we signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a Nigerian German training project. “This program is to raise the skill level of workers and make the youth employable.
“Our vision in VDMA is that, in future, we should be able to exchange highly skilled professionals between Nigeria and Germany and as a matter of fact, I have no objection to inviting Nigerian specialists to help me in Germany and vice versa”
Meanwhile the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, enjoined both the Aliko Dangote Foundation and VDMA to consider citing the second training workshop in Lagos, with a promise to make funds available for the take-off of the programme.
“I am truly excited to be part of this epoch and nation changing event.
“For us in Lagos, I am happy to announce that we have six well maintained vocational training schools, but we are going to not just talk here today, we are going to be making a public commitment that given what I have listened to now, we are not going to leave this to Dangote Foundation alone, we have to upscale our commitment.
“We won’t wait for him to replicate this in the six-geographical zones of the country.
“Lagos State will work with him and ask the VDMA what level of commitment is required from the state government to ensure that in no distance future, we can replicate and bring a full arm of the Dangote academy to Lagos State.
We do not want government bureaucracy to stall this, if it is to raise finance that is required, I can assure you that Lagos state is ready to that and why are we making this commitment?
“It is because of where we see Lagos, the amount of the teeming youth that we have in our country and our state.
“ Lagos has continued to be the biggest economy in our country and even in Africa, and what this present to us is an opportunity to bridge that will help to significantly reduce the unemployment level in the state”.He said.
Congratulating the trainees, Dangote said: “I understand that we chose only 120 of you out of over 4,000 applicants.
“This means you are smart, you are the best and the brightest, we believe in you, and expect great things from you.
“I urge you to make use of this wonderful opportunity and become productive for the well-being of our country.” He said.
He also promised that more youth will be admitted and very soon, all the six geo-political zones of the country will witness massive development through the scheme.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Police Command has announced the suspension of the traditional Tashe performance usually held during the month of Ramadan, citing security concerns.
KANO FOCUS reports that in a public announcement issued on Saturday, the Command said the decision was taken in liaison with the Kano State Government to safeguard public safety and prevent criminal elements from exploiting the festivities.
The statement noted that the annual Tashe event has, in recent times, been used by some individuals to perpetrate crimes such as thuggery, handset snatching and drug abuse. According to the police, adequate security measures have been put in place to curb such activities and ensure a peaceful Ramadan period across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, urged parents, guardians and members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by cautioning their children and wards against engaging in activities that could disrupt law and order. He warned that anyone found violating the law would face the full consequences.
The Command, however, extended its best wishes to residents of Kano State for a successful and peaceful Ramadan fast.
For emergencies, the police advised residents to contact the Command through its designated helplines or use the “NPF Rescue Me” application available on the Google Play Store.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday received a delegation from the Association of Kano Business Community at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during a thank-you visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
KANO FOCUS reports that the delegation expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support to traders and other victims affected by the recent fire incident that razed several sections of the popular Singer Market in Kano.
Speaking during the meeting, the Vice President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborating with the Kano State Government and relevant agencies to prevent a recurrence of fire outbreaks in markets across the state.
He assured the delegation that President Tinubu has the interests of Kano people at heart, noting that the N5 billion approved as immediate relief for victims was based on the findings of a preliminary assessment of the damage caused by the inferno.
Shettima reiterated that the Federal Government would continue to support efforts aimed at restoring commercial activities and strengthening safety measures in markets to protect lives and property.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has inaugurated a 23-member committee to oversee the transparent and equitable distribution of financial assistance and relief materials to victims of the recent Singer Market fire disaster.
KANO FOCUS reports that the inauguration was carried out on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Faruq Ibrahim, who chairs the committee. The event was presided over by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude.
According to the Attorney-General, the committee comprises representatives from key government agencies, security services, the Kano Emirate Council, religious leaders, and affected traders.
He said the panel’s mandate includes assessing the extent of losses, verifying genuine victims, ensuring timely distribution of support, and recommending measures to prevent future fire incidents.
The intervention follows support approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as contributions from the APC Governors Forum. It also comes in addition to earlier assistance provided by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting victims of the disaster and restoring commercial activities at Singer Market.
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Kano state Police command suspends Tashe cultural performance
Kano business community thanks FG for N5bn Singer market relief
Kano Govt inaugurates 23-member committee to disburse Singer market fire relief
Kano Govt announces March 1 for schools’ Ramadan break
Lami Maccido, first person to appear on screens of NTA Kano, CTV 67, dies at 72
Governor Yusuf Appoints Acting DG for Pilgrims Board, Names Provost for Anti-Corruption Institute
Kano govt investigates reported disease outbreak in Garko community
Kano begins Ramadan food distribution as Gov. Yusuf constitutes feeding committee
