The Federal Government has lamented the neglect of Nigeria’s leather industry, stating that the sector has the potential to generate over N23 billion and provide employment for nearly 700,000 Nigerians.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, made this known on Wednesday while speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, monitored by Mega Icon Magazine. He expressed concern that Nigerians were consuming hides and skins—materials that could otherwise be used for manufacturing leather products.

“If I tell you now, we are eating shoes, we are eating bags, we are eating belts, somebody begins to wonder, why do you say I’m eating my shoes? I’m eating my bags, I’m eating my belts. Of course, these are hides and skins that we are eating,” he stated.

Maiha stressed that the widespread consumption of animal hides (commonly known as ponmo) as food has resulted in the loss of billions of naira in potential revenue for the leather industry. He emphasized the need for centralized abattoirs and skin collection centers to optimize the use of hides and skins for industrial purposes.

“For you to optimize skin collection, you need a central animal processing unit. By our estimation, that industry can employ almost 700,000 Nigerians and, by value, our own estimation, about N23bn. Now, we are not there yet because of certain incidences,” the minister noted.

Maiha also cited the success of the shoe-making industries in Maiduguri and Aba, where local manufacturers are already producing high-quality footwear, including jungle boots for the armed forces. He argued that Nigeria has the capacity to manufacture most of the shoes currently being imported, urging citizens to embrace locally made products.

The minister further warned against the health hazards of using kerosene to burn animal skins, stressing the need for safer and more hygienic processing methods.

With the right investments and policies, Maiha believes Nigeria’s leather industry could become a major economic driver, creating jobs and boosting local production in the fashion and manufacturing sectors.

The lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, has paid glowing tribute to renowned elder statesman and one of the progressive leaders in Oyo State, Pa Timothy Jolaoso, on his 90th birthday.

Describing the nonagenarian as a beacon of wisdom and a staunch advocate of progressive ideals, Oseni lauded his remarkable contributions to the political and socio-economic development of the state.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital,  Oseni extolled Pa Jolaoso’s virtues, emphasising his unwavering commitment to democracy, good governance, and grassroots empowerment. He noted that the celebrant’s selfless service has helped shape the political landscape of the federal constituency and  Oyo State, making him a respected figure in both political and social spheres.

“Pa Jolaoso is not just a political leader; he is a mentor and a guiding light whose wealth of experience has continued to inspire generations,” Oseni said. “His sacrifices and dedication to the progressive cause are invaluable, and his contributions to the socio-political development of Oyo State are etched in history.”

The federal lawmaker, who also chairs the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), acknowledged Pa Jolaoso’s role in nurturing young leaders, fostering political stability, and promoting policies that uplift the masses. He stated that the elder statesman’s life is a testament to resilience, dedication, and unwavering patriotism.

The APC chieftain further highlighted Pa Jolaoso’s humility and integrity, noting that despite his age and achievements, he has remained accessible and deeply concerned about the welfare of his people.

“His passion for the progress of our dear state is second to none, and his words of wisdom continue to shape policies that drive sustainable development,” the lawmaker added.

The lawmaker also recognised the celebrant’s immense contributions to community development, emphasising his role in championing educational advancement, economic empowerment, and infrastructural growth.

“Pa Jolaoso’s vision for a better society has manifested in countless ways, and we owe him immense gratitude for his lifetime of service,” he said.

On this significant milestone, Oseni joined family, friends, and associates in celebrating the elder statesman, praying that God grants him more years of good health, peace, and fulfillment. He urged younger generations to emulate the celebrant’s virtues and adopt his philosophy of selfless leadership and dedication to the common good.

“At 90, Pa Jolaoso remains an inspiration to all of us. His legacy will continue to guide and motivate future generations of leaders,” Oseni concluded.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Mohammed Mohammed Aminu as the new Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB).

This was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Dr. Aminu, an expert in vocational education, holds a Ph.D. in Automobile Technology and a Master’s in Procurement and Supply Chain Management. He brings 28 years of experience in teaching, administration, research, and policy development. Before his appointment, he served as the Director of Procurement at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).

According to the statement, the President urged Dr. Aminu to provide transformational leadership at NABTEB to enhance the certification of skilled human resources critical to Nigeria’s industrial growth.

In a related development, President Tinubu also made key appointments to the leadership of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Board. Idris Olorunnimbe was named Chairman, while Rasaq Olajuwon and Tunde Ajibulu were appointed as Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical) and Deputy Executive Secretary (Services), respectively.

Onanuga highlighted Olorunnimbe’s extensive experience in innovative leadership, youth empowerment, and education. As Group CEO of The Temple Company, which he founded in 2016, he has championed transformative initiatives across education, entertainment, and sports. He previously served on the Board of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), where he chaired the Stakeholder and Governance Committees, driving impactful youth employment and entrepreneurship programmes.

Olajuwon, before his new role, was the Director of Administration and Human Resources at the Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA), while Ajibulu, a Fellow of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), is a Director at Tangent Construction Nigeria Limited and a Partner at Covenant Consultancy Services.

President Tinubu tasked the new appointees with strengthening human capital for educational reforms and enhancing service delivery at UBEC, ensuring greater access to quality basic education nationwide.