Mining Industry: FG vows to support Gems, Jewelry trainees for productivity
By Gloria Akudoro
The Federal Government has pledged its full support to the Gemstones and Jewelry trainees, ensuring that their products are competitive with those imported into the Country.
The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Ach. Olamilekan Adegbite disclosed this when he visited the selected Nigerian youths being trained in various aspects of professional Gemstones and Jewelry making at the Jewelry Centre of Abuja Chambers of Commerce and Industry recently.
Accompanied by the Project Coordinator, Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification (MinDiver) Project, Engr. Sallim Salaam and the first Deputy President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, the Minister said its Ministry had engaged the services of experts to train selected 40 youths across the 36 States and FCT to participate in a train-the-trainer jewelry making programme in Abuja.
Recall on November 1, 2021, the Federal Government in collaboration with World Bank Assisted Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification(MinDiver) Project embarked on the training of 40 Nigerian youths in various aspects of professional jewelry making with the sole aim to create jobs and facilitate growth of small and medium scale enterprise in other to diversify the nation’s economy.
As a follow-up, the minister who visited the training site to ensure all is going on as planned stated that the goal of the training is for the learners to be able to pass on what they have learned to others.
“The target is not just to train them but to set them up. We are using state selection, every state in Nigeria is represented here and by the time the programme is completed, we are going to have a revolution that will multiply and positively engage our teaming youth.”
He revealed that the students are enthusiastic about the program and the second batch of training would commence in February, 2022.
Adding that his relying on continuous cooperation of ACCI to make the venue available as a hub for future activities.
Speaking earlier, the President ACCI, who was represented by the first Deputy President, ACCI, Chief Emeka Obegolu commended the initiatives of the Ministry and said Chamber is proud to support the Ministry’s efforts in promoting the Geological Institute of Nigeria and Mining Industry in the Country.
One of the trainee from Edo State, Jessica Ogiuva who spoke on behalf of other trainees appreciated the opportunity given to them and promised to share the knowledge acquired with others in their respective states as to add value to the gems and jewelry sector in Nigeria.
