From Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Idris Mohammed Gobir, has identified vocational training and skills acquisition as critical tools for creating employment opportunities, promoting self-reliance and empowering young people to become economically independent.
Gobir stated this while speaking at a public lecture organised as part of activities marking the 13th Sheikh Usmanu Danfodio Week in Sokoto.
According to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Garba Mohammed, the Deputy Governor made the remarks during the lecture titled “Skills Acquisition as a Means of Self-Reliance: A Lesson from the Jihadist Scholars,” delivered by Dr Usman Bugaje at the Auditorium of Sultan Maccido Institute for Qur’an and General Studies.
The Deputy Governor called for the establishment of more vocational and skills acquisition institutions to equip young people with relevant knowledge and practical skills needed to achieve economic independence.
He noted that developed countries had recorded significant economic growth and technological advancement through sustained investments in science, technology and innovation.
Gobir, who chaired the lecture session, also stressed the importance of intellectual engagements in exposing young people to contemporary ideas and practical approaches to economic development.
He assured that the Sokoto State Government would consider useful recommendations from the lecture, particularly those aimed at promoting technological advancement and accelerating the state’s overall development.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Lecture Planning Committee, Malam Muhammad Lawal Maidoki, said the programme was designed to encourage young people to embrace vocational training and skills acquisition as pathways to self-reliance.
In his presentation, the guest lecturer, Dr Usman Bugaje, highlighted the historical contributions of Islamic scholars to the development of science and technology several centuries ago.
He emphasised the need for Nigeria to give greater attention to science and technology, describing them as essential drivers of sustainable economic growth, innovation and national prosperity.
The public lecture was part of activities organised to commemorate the 13th Sheikh Usmanu Danfodio Week in Sokoto.
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