No fewer than fifty-two youths from host communities of BUA Cement Plc in Sokoto State have secured automatic employment with the company after completing a six-month intensive training programme on heavy-duty machine operations.

The beneficiaries were among 60 youths who graduated from the company’s skills acquisition programme, an initiative under BUA Cement’s host community empowerment scheme aimed at enhancing employability and reducing unemployment in the state.

In addition to the technical training, each participant received a monthly stipend of N150,000 throughout the six-month programme to support their learning.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu, represented by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, commended BUA Cement for its commitment to youth empowerment and job creation.

The governor said the private sector has a critical role to play in addressing unemployment and creating sustainable economic opportunities for young people.

He urged the beneficiaries to consider themselves privileged and justify the confidence reposed in them by contributing meaningfully to the growth of BUA Cement Plc while serving as worthy ambassadors of their families and communities.

“Sokoto State Government is committed to providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. This will allow our youths and women to realise their full potential,” he said.

He added that the government would continue to support initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, innovation and vocational training as part of efforts to ensure sustainable livelihoods.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of BUA Cement Plc, Engr. Yusuf Haliru Binji, represented by the Assistant Director, Administration and Corporate Affairs, Alhaji Sada Suleiman, said the programme reflects the company’s commitment to improving the employability of people from its host communities.

According to him, the graduation ceremony was more than the completion of a training programme, describing it as an empowerment initiative that offers hope to young people through practical skills.

“Skills acquisition remains one of the most effective tools for tackling unemployment, reducing poverty and promoting inclusive economic growth,” he said, adding that the company would continue to invest in programmes that positively impact its host communities.

Earlier, the Chairman of Wamakko Local Government Area, Hon. Umar Mohammed Dundaye, praised BUA Cement for its sustained contributions to the area’s socio-economic development.

He said the company had continued to support the state through various human capital, educational and economic development initiatives, noting that the people of Wamakko and Sokoto State remained grateful for its interventions.