Lombardy, FCTA partnership to birth Vocational Training Centre, agric devt in Abuja
By Ukpono Ukpong
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Lombardy Regional Government of Italy have agreed to collaborate on vocational education and agricultural development, paving the way for the establishment of a vocational training centre in Abuja and the facilitation of youth training in Lombardy.
According to a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister (Public Communications and Social Media), Lere Olayinka, this was disclosed by the President of the Lombardy Region, Attilio Fontana, during a meeting in Milan with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Fontana assured that his government is committed to supporting vocational training and modern agricultural practices in Nigeria’s capital.
Speaking on the partnership, Wike emphasized the need to enhance skills acquisition for Nigerian youths and attract agricultural investments to Abuja.
He noted that Lombardy’s expertise in these sectors would help drive economic growth and self-sufficiency in the FCT.
The Minister further highlighted Abuja’s vast agricultural potential, with over 800,000 hectares of land, including 274,000 hectares earmarked for agricultural development.
He stressed that a strong vocational training system would empower youths, reduce unemployment, and curb crime.
Olayinka, futher confirmed in the statement that discussions between both leaders focused on creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and investment in agribusiness and vocational education.
While thanking President Fontana for the reception accorded him and his team, Wike said; “We had meetings with your country’s ambassador in Nigeria where we put heads together to see how we can exchange ideas with you and partner with Lombardy Region.
“We are aware that Lombardy Region is very strong in agriculture and vocational education. Ours is to see how we can partner to have investors in agriculture in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria. And to also get assistance in the area of vocational education, to train our youths and women, especially in ICT and other skills acquisitions.
“Abuja has vast fertile land, agro business will thrive there. It has over 800,000 hectares of land out of which 274,000 hectares is earmarked for agricultural development while 270,000 hectares is for forest reserve. Therefore, we are particular about collaboration with your government to develop agriculture in Abuja.
“Also, vocational training for the youths, especially in ICT is key. It gives self employment and once our youths can employ themselves and are taken off the streets, crime will reduce.
“Basically, these are the two areas we are seeking that we can partner together and also get assistance from your government.”
Responding, President Fontana said; “You know that Lombardy Region is very strong in industry and battery manufacturing, apart from agriculture. We have a lot of ideas in agriculture too.
“We are willing to collaborate with you in the education of the future because a lot of education is about software, innovation, technology and it is very important. We are the best region in this. More than 30 percent of technical education in Italy is here in Lombardy.
“We can establish something on vocational training in your country and you can also come here to learn our kind of education.”
When the Minister asked; “how and when do we start? Like signing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the President responded “Today. Our office will prepare an MoU and your officers will look at it with them, we sign and take off.”
On agriculture, the President said; “My team will sit with your team, look at your priority areas and see how will can partner and also be of assistance.”
