CHANNELING OF 1% OF NATIONAL BUDGET TO LEATHER SECTOR ADVOCATED

An Economist, Dr. Biodun Ajibode has advocated the channeling of one percent of national budget to the leather sector to create jobs and improve the economy.

Dr Ajibode stated this during the Nigeria Institute of Leather and Science Technology Day at the ongoing 2019 Technology and Innovation Expo holding at Michael Okpara Square Enugu.

The Economist, who was a guest speaker at the occasion, pointed out that hides and skin ranked fifth in resources before the discovery of oil, noting that the sector had a better prospect in the diversification move by the Federal Government.

“When there is adequate funding for the leather sector, they are able to build better manpower for the country. More industries will be created, every economy is run by individual not by Government.”

Earlier in a remark, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr. Bitrus Nabasu commended the Minister’s passion in repositioning the nation’s economy through science and technology.

In an address, the Acting Director General, Nigeria Institute of Leather and Science Technology, Dr Ngozi Okpara regretted that the leather sector had not been given its pride of place in the economy.

Mrs Okpara however expressed optimism that the newly signed National Leather and Leather Products Policy when implemented would address the improvement of leather sector including the consumption of animal hides and skin popularly known as “Kpomo”

“We expect to harness a lot of our hides and skin that are being wasted or consumed as Kpomo. We expect to have a standard for our abattoirs.”

Leather shoes produced by the Nigeria Institute of Leather and Science Technology were display at the event.

EZINWANNE OKWUOLISA

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