At ABU international conference, Ex-RMRDC Director-General calls for speedy establishment of textile development council
The former Director-General of the Raw Materials Research Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Hussaini Doko Ibrahim, has called for the speedy establishment of cotton, textile and garment development council to help revive Nigeria’s textile industries.
Speaking at the 11th International Conference and 14th Annual General Meeting of the Textile Researchers Association of Nigeria (TRAN) at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria today (Tuesday, 12th November, 2024), Prof. Ibrahim disclosed that a bill for the establishment of the textile development council is currently in progress in both chambers of the National Assembly.
The RMRDC’s former Director-General, who was represented by Prof. A. Giwa of the Department of Textile and Polymer Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, also stressed that the Nigerian textile and garment industry can regain its lost glory through innovation in both processing and marketing.
The four-day conference is organised by Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in conjunction with the Textile Researchers Association of Nigeria (TRAN).
The conference with the theme, ‘Empowering Tradition, Enriching the Future: Reviving Nigeria’s Textile and Allied Industries for Economic Renaissance’, is also in collaboration with Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST) and Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC).
Declaring the conference open, Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Kabiru Bala, emphasized the importance of the textile industry as it is as important as food. “It protects the dignity of a human while protecting from the vagaries of nature”, he said.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Ahmed Doko Ibrahim, the Vice-Chancellor tasked the conference participants to give a “diagnosis of what went wrong as Nigeria was producing its clothing needs years ago, and proffer leeway of how to tackle the problems”.
Prof. Bala disclosed that researchers and industry experts will provide not only the clothing needs of the country but also employment opportunities.
He also prayed that the outcome of the conference will provide policy direction for Nigerian textile industries to be back on track.
In his opening address, the National President Textile Researchers Association of Nigeria (TRAN), Prof. Gwari Williams Bako, decried the “soaring prices of transport and essential goods, particularly food, clothing and shelter that trigger public unease.
“This necessitated the gathering of intellectuals to brainstorm on how advances in textile science, engineering, design and arts can be deployed to promote the endangered Nigerian Traditional textiles like Adire, Asoke and Ankara”, Prof. Gwari said.
Prof. Gwari discussed with pride a competition for students of higher institutions tagged “Textile Compete” to develop their skills for personal growth and contribution to economic growth.
The lead paper titled “Conversion of Waste to Wealth in Textile and Allied Industries” was presented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Bayero University Kano, Prof. M. Sani Gumel.
Prof. Gumel called for the development of National Textile Waste Management Policy to raise public awareness and investment/ development of technological capacity to improve textile waste recycling systems.
Another lead paper was presented by Her Highness, Olori Aderonke Ademuluyi Ogunwusi, wife of Ooni of Ife.
She spoke on “Skills Development and Empowerment in Textiles”, and called for heavy investment in the technical know-how of textile manufacturing which will reduce heavy dependence on importation of textile materials.
In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the Occasion, Prof. A. Danladi, called on government at all levels to revive the Nigerian textile industry as a matter of urgency to deal with unemployment facing the teeming youth.
The Head of Department, Textile and Polymer Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University and Conference Organising Chairman, Prof. M. M. Bukhari, appreciated the organising partners and all participants and wished them safe back to their various destinations.
High point of the event was presentation of awards and cheques to winners of “Textile Compete 2.0” with the first and 3rd positions. The winners were all ABU students, Arome Fidelis Bakwo and Wakala Bilkisu.
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Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
(SBG)
Tuesday, 12th November, 2024
