Italy’s Lombardy Region Pledges Vocational Training Institute, Agricultural Partnership for FCT

Italy’s Lombardy Region Pledges Vocational Training Institute, Agricultural Partnership for FCT

Milan, Italy – The *President of Lombardy Regional Government*, *Attilio Fontana*, has pledged collaboration with the *Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA)* to establish a vocational training institute in *Abuja* and provide opportunities for *Nigerian youths* to receive training in Lombardy.  

Fontana made this commitment during a meeting with *FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike*, in *Milan*, where both leaders discussed strengthening ties in *vocational education and agriculture*.  

According to *Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media*, the discussions centered on how Lombardy, known for its expertise in agriculture and technical education, can support *Abuja’s development*.  

### **Strengthening Vocational Education and Agriculture**  

Expressing gratitude for the warm reception, *Wike* emphasized the need for partnership in *agriculture and vocational training*, stating that collaboration with Lombardy would boost skills development and create employment opportunities for Nigerian youths.  

*"We are aware that Lombardy is a leader in agriculture and vocational education. Our goal is to attract investors in agribusiness to Abuja and secure assistance in training our youths and women, particularly in ICT and other skill acquisition programs,"* Wike said.  

He highlighted Abuja’s *vast agricultural potential*, noting that the *FCT has over 800,000 hectares of land*, with *274,000 hectares earmarked for farming* and *270,000 hectares designated as a forest reserve*.  

*"With the right investments, agribusiness can thrive in Abuja. Additionally, vocational training, particularly in ICT, is crucial for self-employment. If our youths are empowered, they stay off the streets, reducing crime,"* he added.  

### **Lombardy Promises Quick Action on Collaboration**  

Fontana affirmed his government's readiness to support the FCTA’s initiatives, noting that Lombardy leads in *technical education, innovation, and agriculture*.  

*"Lombardy is strong in industry, battery manufacturing, and agriculture. We have extensive expertise in education, software development, and technology. Over *30 percent* of technical education in Italy is concentrated in Lombardy,"* Fontana stated.  

He proposed setting up a vocational training institute in Abuja while also welcoming Nigerian youths to Lombardy for training.  

When *Wike* asked about the next steps for formalizing the partnership, Fontana responded promptly:  

*"Today. Our office will prepare a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), your officers will review it, and we will sign it to commence the collaboration immediately."*  

On agriculture, Fontana assured that his team would work closely with FCTA officials to align on priority areas and determine the best ways to collaborate.  

The meeting was attended by key FCTA officials, including the *Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo*, and the *Mandate Secretary for Agriculture and Rural Development, Lawan Geidam*.  

With this new partnership, *Abuja* is set to benefit from *Italian expertise* in modern farming and technical education, further driving *economic growth and youth empowerment* in the FCT.