By Fasomo Micheal
The leather and leather products industry plays a prominent role in the world’s economy. UNIDO (2011) estimated that world leather export is dominated by developing countries, while developed countries dominate the export of Finished Leather Products. The global estimate of leather production is about 23 billion square feet annually. Asia accounts for about 57 percent of heavy leather production and 44 percent of light leather production. Europe accounts for 17 percent and 24 percent of global heavy leather and light leather production, respectively, while Africa contributes the least, accounting for one percent of heavy leather and 4 percent of light leather production.
To change this narrative, the Katsina State Development Fund, in collaboration with Noor Management Consulting Services Limited, has trained 102 youth across the four senatorial zones in the state in Tannery and Leather Work.
The 10-day skill acquisition training is aimed at empowering youth in Katsina to be self-reliant and revive the state leather industry. Participants were trained in shoemaking, bag making, bets, and exquisite interior leather.
In his welcome address at the closing ceremony of the training, the Executive Secretary and CEO of Gidauniyar Jihar Katsina, Alhaji Ahmad Ibrahim, stated that since the establishment of the foundation in 1999, their mission has been to provide philanthropic and charitable services in the areas of education, health, and economic development within katsina state.
“Over the years we have successfully intervened in social development projects including significant contributions in Western and Islamic education, Agriculture, Healthcare, as well as Women and youth development”
Why delivering his remark, the Chairman Board of Trustees, Katsina State Development Fund Dr. U.A Mutallab, CON, FCA who was represented by Alhaji Ali Musa, apa, member, Katsina State Development Fund, said that the 10 days skill acquisition training on tannery and leather work is aimed at complementing the ongoing effort of Malam Dikko Radda’s administration on reducing the rate of unemployed Youth in katsina state.
In her Goodwill message, the special guest of Honor, Her Excellency, the wife of the Governor of Katsina State, Hajia Zulaihat Dikko Radda, who was represented by a former permanent secretary, Rayyanatu Muhammad, thanked the management of Katsina State Development Fund for their commitment to developing the capacity of youth in katsina state and called on the youth to make the best use of the opportunity given to them.
The closing ceremony of the 10-day training features the presentation of awards to outstanding participants for their active participation and dedication during the training program.
One of the trainees who received an award is a PhD holder who was commended for his humility and the mentorship he provided during the training.
Speaking to newsmen at the end of the event, Executive Secretary and CEO of Gidauniyar Jihar Katsina, Alhaji Ahmad Ibrahim, said the state can produce quality leather for the global market.
“The quality of Katsina leather is being referred to as the Moroccan Leather. Kano and Katsina produced the leather that people referred to as Moroccan Leather which is exported abroad”
According to him, there is an urgent need to educate the youth to capture their interest in the leather trade and convert it into an international business opportunity.
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