The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has begun the first batch training of 96 masons in Jere Local Government Area of Borno on production of Compressed Stabilised Earth Bricks.
Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Mr Simbi Wabote, inaugurated the training tagged “Down to Earth Model for Sustainable, Economic Community Development” on Thursday in Khaddamari, the headquarters of Jere LGA.
He said the trainees were expected to utilise their skills to complement the ongoing rehabilitation and reconstruction of destroyed communities in the area by Borno Government.
Wabote, represented by Mr Abdulmalik Halilu, the General Manager, Research and Statistics of the board, said the training on advanced masonry would enhance the trainees’ capacity in the tasks ahead of rebuilding villages affected by insurgency.
Wabote said the agency would support the reconstruction and resettlement drive of Borno government by sponsoring the constructions of 90 homes in Jere LGA where the masons would be actively involved in the project.
He also announced that in collaboration with the Borno government, North East Development Commission (NEDC) and Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, the board would also empower women engaged in irrigation farming.
He added that the partnership would support the youth engaged in installation and maintenance of solar panels.
In his remarks, Mr Mustapha Gubio, the Borno Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, lauded the board and the implementing partner, Green Jobs Nigeria Limited, for the intervention, which he described as timely.
Gubio said that the use of local materials would be cost effective and boost local economy.
Also, Mr Idriss Hayatudeen, Chairman of Green Jobs Nigeria limited, the implementing partner, said the trainees would undergo six weeks training on production of compressed earth bricks technology.
Hayatudeen said 96 masons would benefit from the training which started with 30 that would later be deployed to build 99 homes in the area within 18 months.
He called on Borno government to adopt the system of using compressed blocks in its construction in view of its sustainability, less cost and cheap labour.
The Chief trainer, Mr Abubakar Maidoki, said the programme would create job opportunities to the teeming youth and urged the beneficiaries to make maximum use of the opportunity to be self employed. (NAN)
