Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has said the state will soon become an industrial hub for investors in the country.
Speaking in Ilorin yesterday during a working visit to the site of the state industrial park under construction at Eiyenkorin in Asa Local Government Area, he, however, said such gesture would also provide a catalyst for economic development in the state.
The governor expressed happiness with the level of work done so far adding that, the project will create job opportunities for people and enhance the economic and revenue base of the state.
The governor said a number of big firms have already indicated interest in the project.
According to him, “This is phase one of the industrial park. We are happy with the progress of work. Already, we have some investors who have indicated interest.
“Yesterday (Wednesday) a company came around for the prospect of building a CNG conversion plant to provide plant and gas for cars. BUA is also coming in as it already indicated interest in production here.
“This is really a catalyst for development in the state. The key things are economic expansion, job creation, and IGR drive.
“We are very optimistic that very soon, this place will be fully occupied, and that’s progress for Kwara State.”
Asked when the project will be fully completed, he said the industrial park is a project that would keep expanding as industries and business interests site their businesses there, and the government will only provide the necessary infrastructure for it to thrive such as is being done with concrete road, drainage, electricity, and security network, among others.
“To simplify it, this first phase is two square kilometres and will extend eventually to 10 square kilometres. Part of it will be an export processing zone. So we are very optimistic that it is a big thing,” he said.
The governor then headed further to Asa LGA where he inspected the Budo Egba and Otte township roads, and visited the Sugar Factory Film Studio, which is believed to be one of its kind in Nigeria and on the continent.
The Managing Director, Sugar Factory Film Studio, Mr. Olagbenga Titiloye, on his part, said the studio would be the biggest in Africa, commending the vision and economic drive of the governor.
He said: “Apart from being the biggest in Africa, if you look around, it is clearly a one-of-its-kind facility in Nigeria and Africa as well.”
