News in brief:
– The Lombardy Regional Government of Italy has pledged to establish mechanised farming and a vocational training center in Abuja.
– Minister Wike says the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to boost FCT’s economy.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, recently announced that the Lombardy Regional Government of Italy has committed to establishing mechanised farming and a vocational training center in Abuja. Wike disclosed this upon his return from Italy on Sunday, March 9, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
Speaking to journalists, the Minister highlighted the key outcomes of his meeting with the President of Lombardy Regional Government, Attilio Fontana. These include an agreement to modernise agriculture in the FCT and set up a vocational center that will equip young Nigerians with essential skills.
Boosting employment and economic growth
Wike described the visit as highly beneficial, stating that the initiatives will stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities for residents of the FCT.
“Our visit was very fruitful. We had a memorandum of understanding with Lombardy to establish a vocational center in the FCT where our youths will be trained in skill acquisition and also to introduce mechanised agriculture that will create employment for our people and improve our economy,” Wike stated.
He expressed gratitude to the Lombardy government for their willingness to collaborate and invest in Abuja’s development.
Aligning with Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda
The Minister emphasised that his visit to Italy aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises attracting foreign investment to Nigeria.
“You know that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Mr. President has been building relationships with other countries to foster economic cooperation. With this partnership, there is hope that more investors will come into the country,” Wike added.
As part of the partnership, the Lombardy government has also promised to facilitate the training of youths from Abuja in Italy, further strengthening vocational education in the FCT.
