By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Executive Council has approved the establishment of an industrial park at Eiyenkorin in Asa Local Government Area of the state, as well as a Shea butter processing factory in Kaiama, headquarters of Kaiama local government area.

The initiatives, according to the Commissioner for Communications, Abubakar
Saddiq Buhari, would hasten industrialisation, provide more jobs for the people, and widen the state’s economic base.

He said: “The Council approved the award of the first phase of the industrial park to Messrs Fab Confidential Ltd at the cost of N1,021,039,165.63. The first phase comprises perimeter fence, entrance gate and lay-by, concrete pavement (road, drainage, and car park) and power supply.

“The project will be funded through the state’s recently accessed bond. The industrial park will occupy some 196 hectares of land comprising residential buildings, facility manager’s house, wood processing section, agroprocessing section, commercial section, metal and minerals processing, and green area, among others.”

The proposed 50-ton capacity Shea nut processing factory in Kaiama, according to the Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Ibrahim Alade, was awarded to SAO-Agro Allied Services at the cost of N2,598,000,000.00, adding that the project would provide job opportunities for over 10,000 women and youths involved in Shea nut business and improve their livelihood through better revenue, improved nutrition and life chances.

He added that the cabinet similarly approved the purchase and installation of high-end fit-out equipment and machines for the ongoing Sugar Factory Studios in Ilorin, awarded to POV Studios Limited at the cost of N420,250,000.

Following a memo presented by the Head of Staff Mrs. Oluwole Susan, the council also debated and approved the absorption into the civil service of 60 former permanent staff of the Kwara Hotels and consideration for absorption of 12 other adhoc staff of the hotel if they meet the criteria for the civil service.

The Governor, who presided over the Council meeting, also said another industrial park would be established in Kwara South to support economic growth, adding that the location of the park is still being discussed with different stakeholders from the region.