The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, in partnership with the Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification (MinDiver) project, has launched an innovative entrepreneurship and empowerment scheme focused on jewelry making, aimed at providing training and support to young people across Nigeria.
This groundbreaking initiative is designed to enhance the downstream sector of the mining industry and promote economic diversification throughout the country.
A significant achievement was reached as the program celebrated the graduation of a group of advanced master jewelers, who were awarded certificates upon successful completion of the advanced gemstone and jewelry-making master training program. Out of 71 graduates, 25 underwent an additional eight-week training to qualify for advanced certification. The third batch consisted of 15 advanced graduate trainees, while the first and second batches comprised 10 graduates each.
Commencing in November 2021, this program aligns with the federal government’s proactive efforts to develop the downstream sector of the mining industry for the economic diversification of Nigeria.
Sallim Salaam, the MinDiver Project Coordinator, emphasized the importance of the advanced class in closing the knowledge and skill gap within the jewelry industry. He stressed the necessity of this advanced training, especially for graduates who displayed exceptional talent and required further training to enhance their capabilities within the Nigerian jewelry industry.
Salaam highlighted the program’s contribution to MinDiver’s strategic goals of intervening in the mining spectrum, adding value to mineral products, and aligning with the government’s economic diversification objectives. With the support of the World Bank, the program aims to enhance creativity and entrepreneurship skills among Nigerians.
One of the graduates from the second batch, Tejiri Omologe, praised the program for its significant impact, stating that it expanded their horizons and equipped them with sophisticated tools and training. She acknowledged the scarcity of such resources among Nigerian jewelers and commended MinDiver for providing access to these valuable opportunities.
Omologe firmly believes that with effective follow-up mechanisms and government support, graduates can sustain their skills and make meaningful contributions to the growth of the jewelry industry.
Another graduate, Atungwu Adams, expressed confidence that the skills acquired through the program will have a significant impact on the development of the jewelry industry in Nigeria, thereby elevating the country’s position on the global stage.
The overarching goal of the program is to train graduates to become trainers in their respective states, leading to a multiplier effect in the jewelry-making sector and facilitating knowledge transfer. Adams proposed the decentralisation of the program to all states to establish jewelry training centres, highlighting the importance of sustaining this initiative for the long-term growth of the sector.