In his speech at the event, Alake lauded the “historic significance of developing skills to support the solid minerals value chain,” adding that “the value of
gemstone increases when it is cut and polished, however, majority of gemstones mined in Nigeria are being exported without any value addition since the technical know-how and machinery required in cutting, polishing and finishing jewelry are generally lacking in the country. To bridge these gaps, it became necessary to build capacity in jewellery making and design.”
This capacity training, the minister said, will be extended to the other precious stones – like gold, lithium, sapphire, aquamarine, beryl, emerald, tourmaline, ruby, and garnet, etc. According to him, the idea is for the beneficiaries to return to their states to train other youths with the skills they had acquired as well as practise the business for their own economic empowerment.
The permanent secretary, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Maria Ogbe, who was represented at the event, thanked the minister, the consultants/trainers, MinDiver, and the graduating trainees for a job well done.“Your state governments have already been sensitized to help you. The ministry will stand by you – if you don’t deviate. If you have any issues, revert to the ministry. But please do not disappoint,” she advised.
“It felt strange at the beginning, but along the line I tried my hands on a few designs and I found that I had some hidden talent in me.”
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Bayelsa guber poll: INEC commences distribution of PVCs in wards, local governmentsThe Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Bayelsa State, has commenced the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, to eligible voters
Read more »
40 Rescued, 36 Die In Niger, Adamawa Boat MishapsAnother fatal boat accident has claimed 26 lives in Mokwa local government area of Niger State.
Read more »
Food Security: FMARD launches National Potato Strategy in Jos | The Guardian Nigeria NewsThe Federal Government has launched a five year potato strategic plan to achieve massive production, product development, value addition and processing in farming of potato in the country.
Read more »
Uzodimma Reports Abbas To Tinubu For Giving Ugochinyere Juicy CommitteeThere are indications that Imo State governor, Hope Uzodinma, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, are heading towards an angry
Read more »
UN Partners Borno Govt, NEDC To Resettle 2.2m IDPs In North-EastThe United Nations has promised to partner Borno State government and the North-East Development Commission (NEDC) towards the resettlement as well as
Read more »
24 dead, 30 rescued in Niger boat accidentThe Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has expressed shock at Sunday’s boat accident that claimed many lives in Mokwa Local Government Area of the state.
Read more »