Lombardy region, FCTA mull partnership in agriculture, vocational education

Attilio Fontana, president of the Lombardy region in Italy, says his government will collaborate with the federal capital territory administration (FCTA) to strengthen vocational education by establishing a training centre in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.

Fontana spoke during a meeting in Milan, Lombardy’s capital, with Nyesom Wike, the FCT minister.

According to a statement issued Thursday by Lere Olayinka, senior special assistant to the minister on public communications and social media, Fontana said there would be a facilitation of training of youths from Abuja in Lombardy.

He also spoke about Lombardy’s partnerships with the FCTA to develop agriculture, especially in modern farming technologies.

Fontana noted that his administrative region has capabilities in industry and battery manufacturing, apart from agriculture, adding that over 30 percent of Italian technical education is based in Lombardy.

“We can establish something on vocational training in your country, and you can also come here to learn our kind of education,” he added.

Both leaders proposed a quick start to the project with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU).

Wike said the FCT administration is willing to welcome investors from the Lombardy region to Abuja to establish businesses.

“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,” Olayinka quoted Wike as saying.

“And also to 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; agribusiness 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.”