Muhammad Sabiu, Author at Tribune Online

Nigerian Breweries Plc – Nigeria’s foremost brewing company – has commissioned a state-of-the-art Maltina Skills Acquisition Centre in Kakuri, Kaduna, as part of efforts to empower people in its host communities. Speaking during the commissioning ceremony in Kaduna, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Hadiza Balarabe, described the milestone as not just the inauguration of a physical edifice but the birth of new opportunities, dreams, and pathways to economic independence for countless young people across the state. “The impact of this centre will extend far beyond its walls. As these young people gain skills and economic independence, they will contribute to the growth of our local economy, strengthen their communities, and inspire others to follow similar paths of self-development,” Balarabe said. While expressing profound appreciation to the management of the company for the remarkable CSR initiative, she noted that the centre stands as a demonstration of the company’s commitment to sustainable development and dedication to the communities in which it operates. “What Nigerian Breweries has accomplished here resonates deeply with the vision and priorities of Senator Uba Sani's administration. The Kaduna State Government acknowledges the significant importance of acquiring modern skills, especially in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and other relevant industry skills in today's world, in addition to formal education. “By equipping our youth with these practical, market-ready skills, this centre will play a crucial role in transforming job seekers into job creators, fostering self-reliance, and significantly reducing unemployment in our state,” she said. The Deputy Governor expressed the Uba Sani administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for private and corporate organisations to operate, grow, and contribute to Kaduna’s shared prosperity. ALSO: Nigerian Breweries return to profitability in Q1 2025 Also speaking at the occasion, the Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Hans Essaadi, described the commissioning of the project as a milestone achievement in the company’s journey towards sustainable development and economic empowerment. Essaadi further described the project as a testament to the company’s commitment to enriching lives and building a future of opportunities, particularly for the youth and women in the Kakuri community. He explained that the skills acquisition centre was built as a response to the demands of a rapidly evolving world, which considers skill development a key driver for economic transformation. “Unemployment and underemployment remain significant challenges, particularly among our youth and women. The skills acquisition centre addresses these critical challenges by empowering individuals with practical and marketable solutions. Enhancing self-reliance, fostering entrepreneurship and contributing to the broader economic growth of the region,” he said. According to him, the centre is designed to offer training in various vocational skills, including tailoring, shoemaking, catering, hairdressing, ICT, and other trades that are essential for financial independence. He therefore urged beneficiaries to seize the golden opportunity by leveraging the training as the beginning of a transformative journey towards economic independence and personal growth. Also speaking, the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamali, who was represented by the District Head of Makera, Alhaji Shehu Tijani, commended the company for the immense support extended to the community over the last six decades through the empowerment of its women and youth, and other laudable initiatives, including the construction of the skills acquisition centre. While thanking the company for fostering a cordial relationship with the community, Bamali noted that many youths and indigenes of the community have at one time or another benefited from the goodwill of the company through internship opportunities, sponsorship of Quranic recitation, among others. He therefore appealed to the management of the company to continue supporting the take-off of the centre by providing the necessary maintenance that would keep the facilities in good shape. ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE