NILEST trains 400 youths on manufacturing leather footwears

The Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST) says it has trained more than 400 youths with the requisite skills for manufacturing foot wears and other leather products.

A statement by the institute’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Remi Basorun, on Saturday in Zaria, said it prioritised the training in 2021 as part of its efforts on reducing unemployment in the country.

“In this scheme, more than 400 Youths spreading across the six geo-political zones of the country have been trained and empowered,” he said.

He said that the institute recently trained 33 youths from the South South region on the scheme, and empowered them with starter packs to operate their businesses and facilitate wealth creation.

“The training for the South-South Zone was conducted at the NILEST Extension Centre Afuze, Owan East Local Government, Edo State, between April 11 and April 20.

“The 33 beneficiaries received a starter pack consisting of an industrial sewing machine, roughing machine, soul attaching machine and Last (items used in the production of cover shoes).

“In addition to the starter pack, the beneficiaries also received N50,000 cash to further empower them to kick start the production,” he said.

He said the beneficiaries were also presented with the NILEST’s approved Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Certificate, to enable them operate the business of footwear manufacturing in the country.