Nigerian Breweries Plc- Nigeria’s foremost brewing company, has commissioned a state-of-
the-art Maltina Skills Acquisition Centre in Kakuri, Kaduna, as part of efforts to empower
people of its host communities.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony in Kaduna, the Deputy Governor, Kaduna
State, Hadiza Balarabe, described the milestone as not just the inauguration of a physical
edifice but the birth of new opportunities, dreams, and pathways to economic independence
for countless young people across the state.
“The impact of this center will extend far beyond its walls. As these young people gain skills
and economic independence, they will contribute to the growth of our local economy,
strengthen their communities, and inspire others to follow similar paths of self-development,”
Balarabe said.
While expressing profound appreciation to the management of the company for the
remarkable CSR initiative, she noted that the centre stands as a demonstration of the
company’s commitment to sustainable development and dedication to the communities in
which it operates.
“What Nigerian Breweries has accomplished here resonates deeply with the vision and
priorities of Senator Uba Sani’s administration. The Kaduna State Government acknowledges
the significant importance of acquiring modern skills, especially in Information and
Communication Technology (ICT) and other relevant industry skills in today’s world, in
addition to formal education. By equipping our youth with these practical, market-ready
skills, this centre will play a crucial role in transforming job seekers into job creators,
fostering self-reliance, and significantly reducing unemployment in our state,” she said.
She expressed the administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for
private and corporate organisations to operate, grow, and contribute to Kaduna’s shared
prosperity.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Hans Essaadi,
described the commissioning of the project as a milestone achievement in the company’s
journey toward sustainable development and economic empowerment.
Essaadi further described the project as a testament to the company’s commitment to
enriching lives and building a future of opportunities, particularly for the youth and women in
Kakuri community. He explained that the skill acquisition centre was built as a response to the
demand of rapidly evolving world which considers skill development as key driver for
economic transformation.
“Unemployment and underemployment remain significant challenges, particularly among our
youth and women. The skill acquisition centre addresses these critical challenges by
empowering individuals with practical and marketable solutions. Enhancing self-reliance,
fostering entrepreneurship and contributing to the broader economic growth of the region,” he
said.
According to him, the centre is designed to offer training in various vocational skills,
including tailoring, shoemaking, catering, hairdressing, ICT and other trades and other trades
that are essential for financial independence. He therefore urged beneficiaries to seize the
golden opportunity by leveraging the training as the beginning of a transformative journey
towards economic independence,and personal growth.
Also speaking, the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Bamali who was represented by the District Head
of Makera, Alhaji Shehu Tijani, commended the company for the immense support extended
to the community over the last six decades through empowerment of its women and youth and
other laudable initiatives including the construction of the skills acquisition centre.
While thanking the company for fostering a cordial relationship with the community, Bamali
noted that many youths and indigenes of the community have at one time or the other
benefited from the goodwill of the company through internship opportunities, sponsorship of
quranic recitation among others.
He therefore appealed to the management of the company to continue to support the take-off
of the centre by providing the necessary maintenance that would keep the facilities in good
shape