BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR
Dr. Usman Ali Busuguma, a renowned expert in color and polymer chemistry, has been appointed as the regional manager of the Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST) North East Regional Centre in Maiduguri.
This announcement was made on Thursday by Dr. Auwal Mustapha Imam, NILEST Director-General, during a visit to Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum at Government House, Maiduguri.
With this appointment, Dr. Busuguma brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having held various leadership positions in different organizations.
He is currently the Regional Director of the African Climate Change Research Centre, where he oversees research initiatives and projects related to climate change.
He serves as the Executive Director of Nigeria Integrated Farms Nigeria Limited, where he is responsible for the overall strategy and direction of the company.
Dr. Busuguma is also the Operations Manager/Coordinator at Ngetra Global Services Limited, where he manages the day-to-day operations of the company.
At the Government House, Dr. Imam expressed his gratitude to Gov. Zulum for his interest in boosting productivity in the leather and leather products sector.
He also commended the governor for his efforts in reviving the leather industry in Borno State.
While responding, Gov. Zulum welcomed the upgrade of the Maiduguri Extension Centre to a regional centre and praised NILEST for enhancing skills acquisition and socioeconomic development in the state.
The governor noted that the centre will play a crucial role in capacity building and ordered the immediate dispatch of 60 Borno State indigenes to NILEST in Zaria for training in leather technology, footwear design, and innovation, with the government sponsoring their training.
He directed Engr. Adam Bababe, the Executive Secretary of Borno State Geographic Information Service (BOGIS), to liaise with NILEST and inspect the damaged fence, as well as allocate two units of housing for staff residing in Maiduguri.
The governor also instructed the commissioner of commerce and industry to collaborate with NILEST to create job opportunities for unemployed youths.