The Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) on Thursday entered into partnership with Lelook Bags Academy, to boost exports and create job opportunities for Nigerians.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed at the NEPC headquarters in Abuja.

The Chief Executive Officer (NEPC), Nonye Ayeni signed for the agency while the Managing Director, LeLook, Chinwe Ezinnwa signed on behalf of the company.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ayeni said the move was based on a directive from the Minister of Industry Trade and Investment (FMITI) Doris Uzoka-Anite to boost non-oil exports and attract investments into the Nigerian economy.

She said “This is an exciting year and the beginning of a great commitment. It looks small, but what I see is transformational in Nigeria, especially among the youth and the women.

“I saw creativity, innovativeness, and quality of products. The highlight was the impaired lady who made bags, she could have been on the street begging for alms. This is to all the youth out there, nothing limits you.

“We at NEPC will see how we can transform this venture within the country. And how we can create an opportunity to reach out to the youth, women and the special needs.

“This is one of the anchor mandates of President Bola Tinubu to create jobs and poverty alleviation in the country and take the young out of the street. We will collaborate with you and make it a huge success.”

Also speaking, Chinwe Ezinnwa assured of the firm’s commitment in supporting the actualization of the president’s mandate of developing the non-oil sector and creating jobs in the country.

Ezenwa said, “Without NEPC, some of the giant traits we have made wouldn’t be possible. This partnership will impact significantly in the Nigerian investment sector.

“If you do not train them, don’t blame them. Our youth are so impatient, and restless, and need something to hold them down. All the demands the government is making for non-oil export will be actualized with this MOU we have just signed.

“We will ensure that Nigeria becomes the production hub of bags in West Africa and Africa at large.”