Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
Housing Minister, Engr Muttaqha Rabe Darma, PhD has stated his readiness to support initiatives that promote innovation, enterprise development and opportunities for young people, noting that empowering citizens with relevant skills remains critical to achieving sustainable economic growth and national development. This was contained in a statement signed by Badamasi S. Haiba, Fsca, mnipr, Director, Press and Public Relations.
Darma spoke during his meeting with the
Abuja Interior and Furniture Summit Group led by the Summit’s Coordinator, Faisal Jafar Rafindadi.
The Summit Group were in the ministry seeking partnership to provide a strategic platform for advancing Nigeria’s furniture and interior design industry, promoting locally manufactured furniture, creating employment opportunities for young Nigerians, and supporting the development of world-class housing and interior spaces.
Minister Darma noted that the initiative would not only promote furniture production but also create opportunities for young people across different areas of the value chain, including technical work, design, manufacturing, transportation and decoration
He described the initiative as a viable platform for unlocking the potential of young people and creating sustainable employment opportunities, while commending the vision, creativity and determination to develop the furniture and interior design industry.
” I personally believed in the vision and ambition behind the initiative. I believe in what you are trying to do and i am willing to support efforts aimed at ensuring its success” he stated
He explained that the funding support would be channelled appropriately, stressing that he would want to be convinced that a significant component of the funds would be specifically dedicated to enhancing the capacity, skills and economic opportunities of young people.
” The initiative has the potential to expose young people to the value and opportunities inherent in them, while equipping them with practical skills that can enable them to become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to economic development” he aded
Accordingly, Engr. Darma further described the summit as a comprehensive value chain with strong linkages to several sectors, including the building and construction industry, furniture production, transportation, interior decoration and design.
” This initiative would not only promote furniture production but also create opportunities for young people across different areas of the value chain, including technical work, design, manufacturing, transportation and decoration”
The Minister also stated that furniture and interior design involve critical thinking, creativity and design thinking, noting that individuals with innovative ideas must be able to translate their thoughts into functional and marketable products.
While urging the Coordinator to remain determined and focused in the face of challenges, he stated that, successful implementation could lead to the engagement of a large number of young people, helping them discover and maximise their individual talents and capabilities.
Speaking Earlier, the Coordinator of the Summit, Faisal Jafar Rafindadi, said the Summit was being convened in partnership with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Nigerian Institute of Architects, Federal University of Transportation Daura, TETFund, Federal University of Technology Minna, Katsina Talent & Digital Innovation Centre, and Katsina Institute of Management Studies.
Rafindadi explained that the initiative has its roots in Katsina State, noting that the vision for the Summit was conceived under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, former Governor of Katsina State and current Chairman of TETFund, who is regarded as the founding father of the project.
He noted that the Summit has become particularly important in view of Nigeria’s dependence on imported furniture, which the Nigerian furniture manufacturers in 2019 estimated that the country spent more than $8 billion annually on furniture imports, largely due to challenges confronting local production, including inadequate machinery, electricity and supporting infrastructure.
According to Rafindadi, the Summit seeks to contribute to reversing this trend by strengthening local production and encouraging Nigerians to patronise Made-in-Nigeria furniture.
He added that the initiative would also provide opportunities for young Nigerians to acquire relevant skills, establish businesses and participate actively in the growing furniture, interior design and construction value chain, saying that houses being developed under the leadership of the Ministry are complemented by quality interior designs and locally produced furniture that meet international standards.
” The objective is not only to provide housing but also to ensure that the homes are properly furnished, aesthetically appealing, functional and reflective of Nigeria’s growing capacity in design and manufacturing”
The Coordinator appreciated the Honourable Minister for accepting to host the Summit, describing the gesture as a demonstration of the commitment of the Ministry to supporting initiatives that promote local content, innovation, employment generation and sustainable development in the housing sector.
Highlights of the visit was the unveiliing of the official Logo of the Summit.
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