Determined to bridge the skills gap in the technical sub-sector of the Nigerian economy, Dangote Group has inaugurated an Automation Skills Development Centre valued at N160million in Lokoja, Kogi State.

Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony at the weekend, the President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, said the state-of-the-art skills centre is meant to support the development initiatives of the state government in the areas of technical skills acquisition.

He said the “Dangote Automation Skills Development Centre will help revive and develop technical skills in the country, and as well provide jobs for the youths.

Alhaji Dangote who was represented by the Managing Director of the Obajana Cement Plant, Mr. J.V. Gungune, said such centre has become necessary in view of the fact that: “The federal government under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has prioritised technical skills development and empowerment for Nigerian youths as a key focus.”

Chairman of the Project Implementation Committee (PIC) and Executive Director in the Dangote Group, Mr. Mansur Ahmed, said the governor of the state, Captain Idris Wada, and the President of the Dangote Group were the brains behind the project, adding that they expected the project, when completed, to make Nigerian youths employable and self-employed at the same time.

Speaking, Governor Wada described the Dangote Group as a worthy partner, adding that the centre will support the economy of the state by making the youths employable.

Lead Consultant and CEO of the Skill-Up TVET Limited, Afolabi Imoukhuede, assured that the project will be completed by November.
He also assured that when completed in record time, it will be a modern centre that will be a reference point across Africa.

Kogi State Commissioner for Land, Housing and Uban Development, Mr. Stephen Maiyaki, described the Dangote Group as a blessing to Kogi State, saying the state government will continue to partner with the Group in its stride to develop the state.

He lauded the developmental efforts of Dangote and his company, urging other entrepreneurs to emulate him, pointing out that if Nigeria could boats of some more Dangotes, the country would have been an industrialised country.

Source: http://monitor9ja.com/2015/08/dangote-inaugurates-n160m-technical-skills-acquisition-centre/