By Our Reporter
The Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, Monday unveiled the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) multi-million Naira North-Central Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Centre, a factory conglomerate comprising of bakery, garment and water production plant in Keffi, the state capital.
In his remarks, the Director, Ventures Management, NYSC, Prince Momoh Mohammed, explained that, “the garment factory is equipped with 100 industrial sewing machines and other machines needed for the production of high-quality kit items to be supplied for use by Corps Members.
“This factory will immensely contribute to the Scheme’s stride towards self-sufficiency in kits production, the water factory has three water packaging lines for the production of sachet water, as well as pet and dispenser bottle water.
“The water factory equally has a state-of-the-art water treatment plant for effective removal of sediments, microbes and other impurities so as to ensure production of colourless, odourless and tasteless water.
“In the bakery, we have installed modern oven and other equipment required for the production of health enriching bread.
“It is instructive to note that products of our bakery and water factory will be supplied to Orientation Camps in line with our mandate, and also sold to the general public”.
Welcoming the guests, the Director-General of the NYSC, Major-General Shuaibu Ibrahim, commended the key partners, Access Bank and Capital Express Assurance and the Government of Nasarawa State for supporting the ventures into fruition.
He said: “This new SAED Centre represents another giant stride in our efforts to deepen the impact of the programme.
“Like similar ones established for the North-East, North-West and South-West, it will provide Corps members with access to effective post-camp training in different vocational skill areas.
“We are already in talks with the Nasarawa State University on a proposed partnership whereby the Entrepreneurship Unit of the institution will use this facility to impart entrepreneurial skills on both the Corps members and interested youths of Keffi community.
“I consider it most appropriate to use this occasion to express our profound gratitude to Access Bank Plc, for undertaking the construction of the buildings housing this SAED Centre in furtherance of our public-private-partnership arrangement.
“It is gratifying to note that the Bank has been steadfast in supporting the SAED programme as similar Skills Centres for the North-East and North-West were earlier constructed, equipped and handed over to the Scheme.
“In equal measure, we thank Capital Express Assurance Limited for assisting in the construction of a part of these buildings as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility.
“Indeed, these benevolent acts by the two corporate bodies are practical illustration of their belief in the Nigerian project and, especially, commitment to the empowerment and progress of our teeming youths.
“We also appreciate other stakeholders that contributed towards the projects through the donation of equipments”.
Speaking before the unveiling, Governor Sule, commended the management of the NYSC for opting to build the factories in the state, promising to patronise and support the Ventures.
“One of the comments made by Mr. Vice-President, which I also concur with is the need for us, not only to acquire a degree but to acquire a skill.
“With these, I want to thank you for your vision for redefining and reinvigorating the NYSC as a whole. You have done wonderfully well.
“I have attended several of your events, one of which was the opportunity to visit the NYSC museum and without mincing words, just like the Emir of Lafia has mentioned.
“You came in and redefine the NYSC. You set up a museum, set up skills acquisition centers all across the country and today, you are so lucky you have been able to have the NYSC generating revenue for the federal government for the first time in the history of NYSC.
“I want to assure you that by the grace of God, we will not only patronize the products you have here, we will find ways to work together as a team because this is coming right on time.
“The people who are coming in order to acquire the skills are likely going to get jobs or work just next door right here.
“The Unity we’re talking about that our Founding Fathers had in mind, I want to thank you for driving that dream and I strongly believe that by the grace of God Nigeria will overcome, our leaders will continue to lead with the wisdom to overcome all the challenges that we have. Our leaders need our prayers, they need our cooperation. They need our support”.
In attendance include the state governor, his deputy, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu, representative of the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, National Assembly members, serving and retired Army Generals, traditional rulers among others.
