By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has taken a major step by presenting Briquette Making Machines to Borno Youth who had undergone and completed intensive training in order to make them economically viable, self -reliant and to promote sustainable energy solutions.

The gesture which is going on simultaneously across the other North East States aims to provide employment opportunities and to help reduce indiscrimate dumping of refuse such as disposed bottles of table water.

Flagging off the gesture held at the NEDC headquarters on Monday, which was presided over by the Managing Director/CEO, Mohammed Goni Alkali emphasized the commission’s commitment to equipping young people with practical skills and resources that would enable self-sufficiency while driving economic development in the region.

“The beneficiaries of this initiative recently underwent comprehensive training in briquette production, courtesy of the NEDC. With the provision of these machines, they now have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, potentially turning their skills into sustainable livelihoods.

“Briquette Making Machines are designed to convert waste biomass into high-quality briquettes, providing a cleaner and more efficient alternative to traditional fossil fuels. By promoting the use of renewable energy sources, the initiative aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat environmental degradation.

“Beyond environmental benefits, the project also holds significant economic potential. The availability of locally produced briquettes could create new markets, reduce reliance on expensive and polluting fuels, and encourage entrepreneurship among trainees”. Alkali said.

Furthermore he said: “The distribution of these machines marks a crucial milestone in the NEDC’s ongoing efforts to empower youth and foster sustainable energy solutions in the North East. By investing in practical skills and green technology, the commission is not only addressing unemployment but also contributing to long-term energy security and environmental conservation”.

In an interview with one of the Training Consultants, Dr. Zainab Mohammed Chelube said, “about 300 Borno Youth participated during the one week intensive programme conducted in two corhorts, aimed to address one of the confronting issues of indiscrimate disposal of waste which is detrimental to human health in the state and the North East sub-region”.

In a vote of thanks on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Mohammed Abba Shuwa commended NEDC for the initiative which has said, will impacted positively on their means of Livelihood and the society at large.

In another development, the first batch of the linesmen who were sent to Kainji for technical training by NEDC to acquire knowledge on electricity distribution and installation were at the Commission’s Head Office after their graduation and now fully gained employment with the Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC).

The leader of the delegation, Mohammed Shettima appreciated the Management and Staff of the NEDC for finding them worthy to benefit from the initiative, even as they presented two Awards to the Managing Director and the Staff for their commitment and dedication in uplifting the lives of the youths in the region.