Courtesy Of C’River Rep, Made In Ekureku Leather Wears To Flood Nigerian Markets
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- FG’s Monotechnic Commences Academic Activities
The dream of having leather wears produced from the Ekureku, Abi Local Government Area, Cross River State campus of the Nigerian Institute of Leather And Science Technology is becoming a reality at last, with the commencement of training and production of leather shoes.
The institute was attracted to the state by Dr Alex Egbona, the House of Representatives member from the Abi/Yakurr Federal Constituency. He it was, the lobbied the federal government, secured the buildings from the community and undertook the renovation of same and worked with the federal government agency to equip the campus.
Apart from this, Egbona also awarded scholarship to the first batch of students who were willing and ready to be trained as pioneer trainees. Already, the trainees have started producing quality shoes, according to the Centre Manager, Dr Bernard Igiri.
Whereas admission is open to all Nigerians willing to study leather works at the institute, TNN learnt that the school fee has been fixed at N138,000 by the authorities and admission open to all, as long as they have the minimum entry qualification of secondary school certificate.
It was also learnt that the training programme entails 80 per cent of practical and 20 per cent theory. Each session lasts for about three months, during which time the students would be expected to acquire the basic knowledge in leather works and would be issued certificates accordingly.
The centre manager said in an interview that admission was ongoing and that he was satisfied with the quality of shoes already coming out of the centre. He said the markets would soon be flooded with shoes produced from the Ekureku centre.
While the shoes production is still going on, he said, production of leather bags, shoes, wrist watches and other items would begin in the next few weeks, as soon as students enroll for those courses.
He said the institute would stand out as a centre for those wishing to acquire skills in leather works, while also urging public spirited Nigerians to send their wards, children to the centre, and urged politicians to sponsor their constituents instead of giving them handouts.
In an interview, Egbona said he felt fulfilled that at last, academic work had commenced at the centre. He said he did not believe his eyes when he saw the quality of shoes produced there.
“I feel elated that we now have a functional centre of the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology. I have been on this for some years now, trying to get the federal government to fix all that was needed; and now, here we are.
“When you see the quality of shoes that are manufactured here, it is amazing. I am glad that this is happening in my life time. This is one way of empowering our people. Those who cannot afford to study in universities or polytechnics can come here. This is a monotechnic.
“I have already given scholarship to the pioneer students, apart from mega funds that I have committed to making sure that the institute comes alive. I believe that instead of giving fish to people, I should help them to learn how to fish. That way, they will grow to be useful to themselves and to the society.
“I am imagining that in the next few years, graduates from this monotechnic would become financially independent and will contribute to our GDP and the economy of Nigeria. I urge our people to send their children and wards to the institute for training.”
Egbona said he was in the National Assembly to attract development to the people and to the constituency. “This is part of the reason why my people supported me to win election into the National Assembly. My people should expect much more from me.?