BUA Cement Launches Vocational Training for 60 Sokoto Youths

• Offers N150,000 Monthly Stipend to Trainees

By Abdulsalami Abdulfatai Sokoto

In a bold move to empower local youths and bridge the skills gap in technical fields, BUA Cement Plc has launched a six-month intensive vocational training programme for 60 young men and women from Wamakko Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The initiative, which targets youths from the company’s host communities, aims to equip participants with practical expertise in operating heavy earth-moving machinery — a skill in high demand within the cement and construction industries.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, the Managing Director of BUA Cement, Engr. Yusuf Binji, represented by Engr. Bashir Aminu, said the programme was conceived to address a recurring challenge of unqualified local applicants for technical roles within the company.

“Over time, we noticed that job openings in our operations could not be filled by locals due to the lack of relevant technical training. This programme is designed to close that gap by equipping our youths with lifetime skills that will make them employable — either with BUA or in other industries,” he said.

He further noted that while the trainees are not mandated to work with BUA after completing the programme, outstanding participants may be considered for future employment opportunities within the company.

As part of its commitment to supporting the beneficiaries, BUA Cement will provide each trainee with a monthly stipend of ₦150,000 throughout the training duration.

Also addressing the participants, the Director of Human Resources, Abdulrosheed Bode, encouraged them to take full advantage of the opportunity, stressing the need for discipline, curiosity, and commitment.

“You were chosen from a large pool of applicants. This is a rare opportunity to transform your future. Work hard, stay focused, and maintain good conduct throughout the programme,” he advised.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Attahiru Alhaji Ladan thanked BUA Cement for the initiative and praised both the company and community leaders for their inclusive approach to youth empowerment.

“This is a life-changing opportunity, and we are sincerely grateful. We assure you that we will remain committed, focused, and worthy ambassadors of this initiative,” Ladan pledged.

The training programme is part of BUA Cement’s broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts aimed at promoting sustainable development, tackling youth unemployment, and strengthening community relations in its operational areas.