By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, arrived in Abuja on Monday, March 10, 2025, after a productive visit to Italy. During his trip,
Wike solidified bilateral cooperation with the Lombardy Regional government, securing key agreements to benefit the FCT, according to a press statement from the Director, Press, Office of the Minister, Anthony Ogunleye on Monday.
Speaking to journalists at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Wike revealed that his meeting with Lombardy Regional Government President, Attilo Fontana, yielded two significant outcomes.
Firstly, an agreement was reached to establish a vocational center in Abuja, providing crucial skill training for youth. Secondly, a partnership was formed to modernize FCT agriculture.
Wike expressed his optimism about the impact of these agreements, stating that they will significantly boost the FCT’s economy and create employment opportunities. He described his visit as “very fruitful” and emphasized the importance of the memorandum of understanding with Lombardy.
The vocational center is expected to equip youths with essential skills, enhancing their employability and contributing to the region’s economic growth.
The modernization of FCT agriculture, on the other hand, will focus on improving farming practices, increasing productivity, and ensuring food security.
Wike’s efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation with international partners are aimed at driving economic development and improving the lives of FCT residents.
Minister Wike expressed his optimism about the outcomes of his visit, highlighting the potential for mechanized agriculture to create employment opportunities and boost the economy. He commended the government of Lombardy for their cooperation, emphasizing the alignment of the trip with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Wike noted that the agenda focuses on creating relationships with other countries to improve Nigeria’s economy, and he believes that the recent agreements with Lombardy will attract foreign investors to the FCT.
The Minister’s meeting with Lombardy Regional Government President, Attilo Fontana, yielded promises of collaboration on vocational education, including the establishment of a training center in Abuja and training programs for Abuja youths in Lombardy.
