The Kwara State Government has promised to continue to develop relevant industries and ensure infrastructural development in order to enhance economic growth of the State.
The State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who was represented by the Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, made the promise during the declaration ceremony of a 2-day Sensitisation on ‘Business To Business Summit and Fair’, organised by the National Steering Committee on Leather and Leather Products Policy Implementation Plan, in collaboration with the Kwara State Government in llorin.
Governor AbdulRazaq emphasised the need to upgrade, develop industries and infrastructure in the State, saying this will enable industries become game changers for the national economy through improving foreign exchange earnings, boosting growth and providing employment for millions of people.
The Governor highlighted the efforts of the present administration to enhance ease of doing business ini
tiatives, road network, urban renewal projects, Micro, Small, Medium Entrepreneurs Scale (MSMEs); ensuring that Kwara State Social Investments Programme grants, United Nation Development Programme grants and households and commercial farming support are made available.
Governor AbdulRazaq said that capital projects are being developed to fast-track massive industrial and economic growths, mentioning projects such as the completed Kwara Garment Factory, Sugar Factory, Visual Arts Centre and Film Studios; ongoing Kwara Hotel, Information, Communication and Technology Hub (ITC); and the Industrial park at Eyenkorin, Shea Butter Factory at Kaiama, which are all at the stage of completion, revealing that BON Awards, to be organised by Nigeria Nollywood Industry, will be hosted at the Sugar Factory and Film Studio, llorin in September, 2024.
He congratulated the Institute of Leather, Science and Technology (NILEST) and the National Steering Committee on Leather Products Policy Implementation Plan, as well
as all dedicated individuals and organisations for their contributions to the success of the event.
The Governor reaffirmed that the event will contribute great insights that will develop and sustain leather production in Nigeria and Kwara State in particular, thereby creating more jobs and human capital development, adding that the leather industry is a huge national treasure that will add values to raw materials like hide skills, which are converted into finished products such as bags, shoes and clothes.
Fast track National Policy
Also speaking, the Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji appreciated Governor AbdulRazaq for hosting the event and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the State.
Chief Nnaji, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs. Esuabanna Nko Asanye, highlighted the rapid development of the sector, saying that the Federal Ministry is saddled with the respons
ibility to fast- track the national policy and implementation plan, which is aimed at enhancing corporate interactions and economy growth as well as creating job opportunities for unemployed Nigerians.
He reiterated the submission given by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) projection that the Leather Sector could potentially generate about $ 1 billion by 2025 in Nigeria.
Similarly, the Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari , who was represented by the State Coordinator, Dr. Bello Ismail Kolawole, thanked the State government for the collaboration to make the event a success, noting that tanned leathers and the vibrant colours of artisans’ crafted goods, would undoubtedly result in admiring the intricate designs of leather bags, shoes, clothing and accessories.
Senator Kyari added that Nigeria has a long-standing tradition of leather craftsmanship with centuries of old techniques passed down through generations from the traditional tanneries of Kano State to the m
odern manufacturing hub in Lagos and Abia States, reaffirming that the country’s leather industry has played a significant role in both cultural heritage and economic development.
In her opening remarks, the State Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, congratulated the Institute of Leader, Science and Technology (NILEST), National Steering Committee and participants for their efforts and contributions to the success of the event and for collaborating with the State government in showcasing the individual talented craft/work that the State is being blessed with.
Damilola, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry, Mrs. Mary Kemi Adeoshun, disclosed that the State government had long ago recognised the importance of supporting and developing key industries that would drive economic progress such as all the capital projects embarked by Governor AbdulRazaq-led administration.
She further explained that the initiatives have shown the com
mitment of this administration to create an enabling environment for businesses, including the leather sector, as a promise pathway to economic growth, stating that the collaboration with the State government will address the challenges faced by the industry and leverage its potentials for sustainable economic growth.
The Commissioner urged all participants to engage actively, share expertise, cross fertile ideas and collaborate with one another.
The Chairman of the National Steering Committee on the Strategic Implementation Plan of Leather and Leather Products Policy in Nigeria, Prof. Muhammad Kabir Yakubu, emphasised the importance of promoting Nigeria’s leather sector for competitiveness, investment and economic growth, while aligning with the National Leather Policy Implementation Plan.
Prof. Yakubu highlighted the significance of the summit’s theme: ‘Enhancing Nigeria’s Leather Market for Optimal and Sustainable Economic Growth’, stating that the leather industry holds vast potentials for job creatio
n and market expansion.
He further mentioned NILEST’s efforts in training Nigerian youths in leather work, empowering them with skills and startup capital and underscored the institute’s research in leather processing innovations and collaborations with various agencies and organizations, calling on the Kwara State Government to support the leather industry through training programmes, establishment of a tannery, and creation of a Common Facility Centre to foster innovation and growth.
The summit focused on topics such as coordination, partnership, research, and government support to enhance the sector.
Present at the event were the Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju; Commissioner for Finance, Hawau Nuhu; Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Saadatu Modibo Kawu; Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr. Mary Arinde; Commissioner for Special Duty, Dr. John Bello, some Permanent Secretaries, among others.
Source: Voice of Nigeria