The Sokoto State Government has commended BUA Cement for its youth empowerment initiative, describing the company’s investment in skills acquisition as a significant contribution to tackling unemployment, reducing poverty, and promoting economic growth.
Ahmad Aliyu, the Governor of Sokoto State, northwest Nigeria, made the commendation at the graduation ceremony of 60 youths trained by the cement company to operate heavy-duty vehicles.
Aliyu, represented by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Haruna Abbas, congratulated the facilitators and graduates on the successful completion of the programme.
He described skills acquisition as one of the most effective strategies for addressing unemployment and fostering inclusive economic development.
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According to him, vocational training equips individuals with the knowledge and practical skills needed not only to earn a living but also to become innovators, entrepreneurs, and employers of labour.
The governor praised BUA Cement for complementing the government’s efforts through the initiative, saying the private sector had a vital role to play in human capital development.
He said programmes such as the training demonstrated the positive impact corporate organisations could make by investing in the development of their host communities and the nation’s workforce.
Governor Aliyu urged the graduates to make productive use of the skills they had acquired, continue learning, and uphold professionalism and integrity in their chosen fields.
“The real task begins now. Put the knowledge and practical skills you have acquired to productive use, continue learning and seek opportunities to create value within your communities,” he said.
Aliyu reaffirmed the state’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive while supporting youths and women to realise their economic potential.
He said the government would continue to encourage initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, innovation, vocational training, and sustainable livelihoods.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of the company, Yusuf Binji, represented by Alhaji Sada Suleiman, Assistant Director, Administration and Corporate Services, said the historic event was part of the firm’s unwavering commitment to reducing the high unemployment rate in the country.
Binji further disclosed that the company would not relent in implementing its routine corporate social responsibility projects as a way of appreciating the existing cordial relationship between it, the Sokoto State Government, and its various host communities.
According to him, the company offered employment to 52 of the 60 youths trained in the operation of heavy-duty equipment.
