News Investigators/ BUA Cement Company on Wednesday employed 52 out of 60 youths it trained from host communities in the operation of heavy-duty equipment in Sokoto State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the youths underwent the training sponsored by the company as part of efforts to reduce unemployment and ensure community involvement in the company’s activities.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Managing Director, Yusuf Binji, represented by Alhaji Sada Suleiman, Assistant Director, Administration and Corporate Services, said the event was part of the firm’s unwavering commitment to reducing the high unemployment rate in the country.
Mr Binji said the company would not relent in executing its routine Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects as a way of appreciating the cordial relationship between it, the Sokoto State Government, and its host communities.
He enjoined the beneficiaries to abide by the company’s guidelines and work procedures, and advised those who were not employed to make themselves available for future recruitment exercises.
Earlier, Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Industry, Alhaji Haruna Abbas, said the event was more than a graduation ceremony.
“It is a celebration of empowerment, opportunity, and hope. Skills acquisition remains one of the most effective tools for addressing unemployment, reducing poverty, and promoting inclusive economic growth.
“It equips individuals not only to earn a living but also to become innovators, entrepreneurs, and employers of labour. I commend BUA for complementing government’s efforts through this laudable initiative,” he added.
Mr Aliyu described the private sector as a critical component of human capital development programmes.
While congratulating the graduates on reaching what he described as an important milestone, the governor urged them to utilise the knowledge, discipline, and practical skills acquired for the progress of society.
“The Sokoto State Government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and for our youths and women to realise their full economic potential.
“We will continue to encourage initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, innovation, vocational training, and sustainable livelihoods.
“I also encourage development partners, corporate organisations, and other stakeholders to emulate this initiative.
“By working together, we can equip more of our young people with the skills and opportunities they need to contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of our state and our country,” Aliyu said.
The Chairman of Wamakko Local Government Area, Umaru Dundaye, applauded the company for being a worthy and dependable partner to host communities.
Mr Dundaye stated that the communities would remain grateful to the firm for its various interventions in health, agriculture, water supply, and safety education, among others.
Responding on behalf of the communities, the District Head of Sabon Garin Gedawa, Alhaji Shehu Dan-Galadima, also commended the company for supporting the host communities.
NAN reports that the event was attended by traditional rulers from the company’s host communities, while a cross-section of the graduates praised the company for being their benefactor and pledged to be diligent and law-abiding in the discharge of their duties.
NAN