By Thompson Yamput
Experts from the textiles and other related sub-sector will discuss strategies for the revival of Nigeria’s textile and allied industries for economic renaissance at an international conference at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
The conference bill led for Nov. 11 to Nov. 14 has the theme: ‘Empowering Tradition, Enriching the Future: Reviving Nigeria’s Textiles and Allied Industries for Economic Renaissance”.
Mallam Auwalu Umar, Head, Public Affairs Directorate, Vice Chancellor Office, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, said that the conference is put together by the Textile Researchers Association of Nigeria (TRAN) in conjunction with Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Umar said that the four-day event, the eleventh in the series, is also in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST) and the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC).
He said that there would be an exhibition of scientific and industrial products and services by different textiles and allied organisations during the conference.
“Some of the areas slated for intense discussion at the event include digital transformations in textile and other allied industries, entrepreneurial advantages of textiles and allied sub-sector, and sustainable practices and environmental stewardship in the polymer and related industries.
“Participants at the conference will also discuss skills development and empowerment in textiles and allied industries, roles of government in policy framework and regulatory support for textiles and allied industries, as well as prospects of Nigerian leather products for economic growth.”
Umar said the former Director-General and Chief Executive of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Hussaini D. Ibrahim, would give a keynote address on ‘Innovative Processing and Marketing Solutions in Textiles and Garment Industries’.
Her Royal Majesty, Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, wife of Ooni of Ife; and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Bayero University, Kano, Prof. M. Sani Gumel, will present the lead papers.
While Olori will speak on ‘Skills Development and Empowerment in Textiles’.
“Gumel is expected to talk on ‘Conversion of Wastes to Wealth in Textiles and Allied Industries.
“Prof. Mohammed Kabir Yakubu, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST), will chair the occasion which will be declared open by the Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Kabiru Bala,” he said.
He quoted the Chairman of the Conference Organising Committee and Head of the Department of Textiles and Polymer Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. M.M. Bukhari, of stating that the National President of the Textiles Researchers Association of Nigeria (TRAN), will play host to the conference.
