The outgoing Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo, has inaugurated the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA) skill acquisition centre in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Also inaugurated was a twin lecture theatre donated by the agency to Kaduna State University.
The skill acquisition centre in Zaria has facilities such as electrical, mechanical, sewing, technical, and welding learning facilities amongst others, for youths and women.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Osagie Edward, Assistant Director, Public Relations, NIMASA, in Lagos on Sunday.
During the event, Sambo noted that the projects were part of the legacies of the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari, to improve education as a basic need for economic development.
He used the opportunity to commend Dr Bashir Jamoh-led management of the agency for the initiative.
On his part, Jamoh, Director General, NIMASA noted that the agency’s skill acquisition centre was one of those located across the six geo-political zones of the country.
He also disclosed that higher institutions in all geo political zones of the country were benefitting from the agency under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects.
“Our desire as an agency is to ensure young Nigerians acquire skills to make them self-dependent, thus productively engaged.
“We are also developing such centres in Niger, Lagos, Anambra, Gombe, Bayelsa and Rivers States.
“This is also aimed at fighting insecurity on land which will have a multiplier effect on security in the maritime domain,” he said.
The outgoing Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, noted the commitment of Kaduna State Government to education and thanked NIMASA for completing the project in record time.
The Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, commended NIMASA for siting the project in the emirate, assuring that the centre would be maintained for the benefit of the people.
Under the leadership of Jamoh, NIMASA has continued to maintain focus in ensuring the Nigerian maritime sector takes its rightful place in the comity of maritime nations.
Recently, the agency commissioned five enforcement boats, four staff ferries and an ultramodern world class Search and Rescue Based Clinic, in addition to the commissioning of a permanent building, housing the agency’s Abuja office.
