NCMM, NDE Unite To Create Jobs Via Culture

AS part of government's efforts at creating jobs for Nigerian youths, the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) has struck a deal with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE).At a meeting in Abuja recent, Director-General of NCMM, Mallam Yusuf Abdallah Usman said the partnership 'marks a landmark in the history of the commission and NDE because we are about to establish a new partnership that will create an enabling environment for employment and empowerment of the teaming youths in this country through creative cultural industries and Eco-Museums.'In addition to its statutory function of collecting antiquities and preserving monuments of significance to the nation, the NCMM also trains craftsmen and women who are engaged in the production of outstanding works. Usman enthused that the process of producing this crafts could be preserved and inculcated into the youths.The meeting created platform for interactive session as questions were raised from both agencies to have a better insight of their mandates with a focus to boost the partnership.The NDE Director-General, Mallam Abubakar Mohammed assured that 'the Directorate is eager and willing to collaborate with you. We will be around you with your support to come and create employment around your activities.'Museum craft centres in its stations across the country are into production of pottery, calabash, leather works, smithing, raffia works, and bead making. The partnership will help to strengthen the development of culture-based enterprises among others.The Museum boss further explained how 'the NCMM will provide the expertise and technicians for the project collaboration, and NDE centers will be used for training artisans in craft making, skill acquisition, and development of entrepreneurial skills, preservation and utilization of heritage resources based on cultural industries among the indigenous people.'Mohammed who expressed delight over the visit suggested setting up of a committee to drive the partnership and two directors from NDE were nominated. Meanwhile, the NCMM nominated the Director of Monument, Heritage and Site, and Director of Museums for a workable collaboration.
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