23/06/2026
KANO GOVT SEEKS KEYSTONE BANK PARTNERSHIP AS KACCIMA OPENS LEATHERWORK TRAINING FOR YOUTHS
The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, has declared open a three-day Leatherwork Training Programme organized by the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KACCIMA) in collaboration with Keystone Bank Plc.
The programme, themed "Unlocking the Potential of Nigeria's Leather Industry: Promoting Innovation, Value Addition and Sustainable SME Growth," is designed to equip youths and women with practical skills, entrepreneurial knowledge, and opportunities within the leather value chain.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Comrade Waiya reiterated the commitment of the Kano State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, to creating opportunities that will enable young people to become self-reliant and productive members of society. He commended the management of Keystone Bank, particularly its Executive Director, Northern Region and Public Sector Group, Alhaji Abubakar Bello, as well as the leadership of KACCIMA for initiating the programme aimed at empowering the youth and enhancing economic growth.
The Commissioner disclosed that the Kano State Government plans to empower 50,000 youths through various skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes before the end of the year. He expressed optimism that Keystone Bank would partner with the government in realizing this ambitious objective.
Comrade Waiya also informed participants about the State Government's Safe Corridor Initiative, a rehabilitation and empowerment programme designed to provide vocational training, economic opportunities, and social reintegration support for over 3,000 reformed and at-risk youths, thereby promoting peace, security, and sustainable development across the state.
In his remarks, the Executive Director, Northern Region and Public Sector Group of Keystone Bank, Alhaji Abubakar Bello, highlighted the bank's mandate and commitment to supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through innovative financial products and capacity-building programmes. He noted that Kano remains a strategic economic hub with a rich history and comparative advantage in leather production and processing. He appreciated KACCIMA for the partnership and expressed the bank's readiness to continue supporting initiatives that foster entrepreneurship and economic development.
Representing the President of KACCIMA, Dr. Abdulaziz Sabitu Muhammad, the First Deputy President commended Keystone Bank for its support and investment in human capital development. He urged participants to remain attentive, committed, and dedicated throughout the training, stressing that the knowledge and skills acquired would contribute significantly to their personal and business growth. He also expressed hope that the fruitful collaboration between KACCIMA and Keystone Bank would be sustained and strengthened.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were KACCIMA Council Members, Management Staff,the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Technology, Directors from the Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs, Women Affairs, Children and Persons with Disabilities, Education, as well as representatives of the Kano State Tourism Board and other stakeholders.
The training programme is aimed at enhancing the capacity of talented and skilled youths engaged in leatherwork and related enterprises. At the end of the programme, qualified participants will be considered for substantial business grants and support packages to be provided by Keystone Bank to facilitate business growth and sustainability.
SIGNED
DIRECTORATE OF ADVOCACY AND POLICY DEVELOPMENT
KANO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, MINES AND AGRICULTURE (KACCIMA)
KANO.
