A member of the House of Representatives from Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency of Cross River State, Dr Alex Egbona, is seeing the support and cooperation of government institutions, commissions, agencies, the state and local governments, for the development and expansion of the Ekureku campus of the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST).
Egbona who facilitated the establishment of the monotechnic in his constituency has been rallying funding for the institute, even as he sponsored the pioneer students of the monotechnic.
In the last few weeks, Egbona has sought the support of the chairman of Abi and Yakurr local governments respectively, as well as his state governor, Senator Bassey Otu.
Last week, he reached out to the newly inaugurated managing director of the South South Development Commission, SSDC, Ms Usoro Akpabio, asking for the commission’s intervention in the expansion, equipping and training of students.
In the letter, Egbona said “the monotechnic commenced academic activities less than two years ago, after I approached the institute to bring a training centre to the south south state of Cross River, for the benefit of our people.
“To enhance its smooth take-off, I had to sponsor the pioneer students who are already doing well in the production of leather products, including shoes, bags, belts et cetera. The students are mainly from my constituency.
“My belief is that this monotechnic will be of immense help to the region, for the training of our youths. That means we would be consciously building the capacity of hundreds of the youths and redefining their future.”
He appealed to the commission to collaborate with the institute in the following areas:
* Expansion of facilities at the Ekureku campus to accommodate more students
* Provision of basic learning infrastructure, like hostel accommodation and learning equipment/facilities.
* Scholarship and support for students from the region, especially those from Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, among other support that you may consider necessary.
