In a speech delivered at the 37th Media Parliament of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Kwara State, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye on Wednesday highlighted the efforts of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to unleash the economic potentials of Kwara State over the next four years.
The governor’s ambitious plans aim to foster economic prosperity, create jobs, and enhance the livelihoods of the people of the state.
Addressing the diverse audience of journalists and media professionals, Ajakaye emphasized that Kwara’s unique geographical location and rich cultural heritage offer ample opportunities for sustainable economic growth.
He acknowledged the administration’s previous accomplishments in stabilizing various sectors, including education, healthcare, and rural infrastructure, which paved the way for their current economic initiatives.
The governor’s economic strategy focuses on engaging the state’s youthful population, who constitute a significant proportion of the demographic makeup.
Recognizing that the government cannot provide jobs for everyone, AbdulRazaq aims to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurship and private sector growth. Investments in infrastructure, including roads and social amenities, are intended to improve productivity and open up economic opportunities.
One of the key projects highlighted in the speech is the Garment Factory, set to be one of the largest in Nigeria. It aims to create around 2,000 direct jobs and support various ancillary businesses, while also promoting the local Aso Ofi textile industry.
The Visual Arts Centre, almost 90% completed, seeks to become a hub for the creative industry, attracting talents from across Nigeria and beyond. Adjacent to it is the Sugar Factory Film Studio, which further contributes to the growth of the entertainment sector in the state.
In a bid to drive development and create more economic opportunities, the government is working on the completion of the Osi and Ilesha Baruba campuses of the Kwara State University, as well as constructing an industrial park on the Ilorin-Eiyenkorin-Ogbomoso Highway.
Another crucial initiative is the special agroprocessing zone, funded by the Islamic Development Bank. This project aims to revamp the cattle business, improve herders’ living standards, and reduce conflicts with farmers.
The Governor’s Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) has played a significant role in offering financial inclusion to over 200,000 beneficiaries, promoting entrepreneurship, and lifting people out of extreme poverty.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s vision for Kwara State entails harnessing its unique assets and resources to drive sustainable development, economic growth, and improved living standards. With the support of the media and all stakeholders, the administration aims to turn the state into a vibrant economic hub that benefits both its citizens and the nation at large.
