NILEST’s Director General, Dr. Auwal Mustapha Imam, during his visit to Governor Ahmed Aliyu By Zailani Mustapha The Sokoto Extension Centre...
By Zailani Mustapha
NILEST’s Director General, Dr. Auwal Mustapha Imam, during his visit to Governor Ahmed Aliyu
The Sokoto Extension Centre of the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST) has been upgraded to the Northwest Regional Centre, a move that promises to boost skill acquisition and leather technology development in the region.
The announcement was made on January 24, 2025, by NILEST’s Director General, Dr. Auwal Mustapha Imam, during his visit to Governor Ahmed Aliyu at the Government House in Sokoto State.
As part of this development, Dr. Imam also appointed Malam Aliyu Garba Kilgore, an indigene of Sokoto State, as the Regional Manager for the new centre.
In his address, Governor Ahmed Aliyu commended the initiative, stating that it aligns with the state’s 9-point agenda on smart innovation. He highlighted the significance of the upgrade, given Sokoto's status as the highest producer of animal skins and hides in Nigeria.
“This effort is not by accident. DG, you have done the right thing because Sokoto is a leading producer of animal skins and hides in Nigeria. Upgrading the Sokoto Extension Centre is in line with our 9-point agenda on smart innovation,” Governor Aliyu said.
The governor pledged his administration’s full support for the centre, including sponsoring youth and women from Sokoto State to study leather technology, footwear design, and innovation. He also promised to enhance the centre’s operations by providing transportation, improving the training environment, and facilitating other resources.
Reflecting on his tenure as the Commissioner of Social Welfare and Skills Acquisition during the Aliyu Wamakko administration in 2007, Governor Aliyu reiterated his commitment to collaborating with NILEST on skills acquisition and economic development.
Dr. Imam, in response, expressed gratitude on behalf of NILEST management and reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to partnering with Sokoto State to advance research and innovation in leather technology.
The event was attended by key government officials, including the Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tukur Bala Bodinga, Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Muhammad Bello Sifawa, Chief of Staff Alhaji Aminu Halliru, and all members of the State Executive Council.
Governor Aliyu also recognized the efforts of Hon. Nasir Shehu Bodinga, Member Representing Bodinga, Dange/Shuni, and Tureta Federal Constituency, for his role in facilitating the upgrade of the Sokoto Centre to a regional hub.
This development marks a significant milestone in Sokoto State’s efforts to harness its natural resources and empower its residents through innovation and skills development.
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