In this report, Abdullahi Olesin writes on the issues that tend towards the commitment of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to industrialising Kwara State.

In the 70s Kwara State was host to a number of thriving industries. Those industries included the Nigeria Sugar Company ( NISUCO) Bacita, the Jebba Paper Mill, Tate and Lyle Sugar Company, Ilorin, MATCO, matches manufacturing company, Ilorin. But they have all folded up.

During their hay days, the now moribund companies provided job opportunities for thousands of the people and ensured economic buoyance in the state.

Since the ‘death’ of the once thriving industries, the people of the state , especially young graduates and even unskilled youths have had to rely on white collar jobs to eke a living. But, since there are limited vacancies in the state’s civil service, the problem of youth joblessness has become a serious issue.

However, with the coming of the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, there is hope of a renewed commitment to the industrialisation of the state.

Two events that happened in two different parts of the state last week, gave a pointer to the commitment of the new administration to pursue industrialisation in order to bring about economic buoyancy for all and sundry.

The events are the unscheduled visit of governor AbdulRazaq to Olam cashew processing factory in Ogbondoroko, Asa local government area (Kwara central) and the economic summit organised by Offa community (Kwara south) which was attended by the deputy governor, Kayode Alabi.

At the two events, the two leaders reiterated the commitment of the new administration to implementing investors friendly polices to encourage industrialists to invest in the state and thereby providing job opportunities for residents and creating wealth.

During his visit to the cashew processing factory in Ogbondoroko, governor Abdulrazaq reiterated the commitment of his administration towards creating enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state.

While lauding the economic impact the factory offers the people of the state and Nigerians at large, especially in the area of job opportunity for a minimum of 1,500 people.

Reacting to the complaints of the Association of Cashew Farmers and dealers, he promised to invite them for an interface at an appropriate time towards addressing their problems.

Earlier, the Plant Manager, Olam Cashew Processing factory, Mr Sajjad Hussein, had stated that there are five stages involved in cashew processing and would take up to eight days before the end product is realised.

The governor used the occasion to commission water project provided by the firm for Ogbondoroko community, as part of its corporate social responsibility programme.

At the Offa Economic Summit,the Deputy governor of Kwara state, Mr Kayode Alabi, in his remarks, said the goverment would henceforth extend invitation to groups, organisations and individuals in its budget review exercise.

Alabi, said that current administration in the state believes in participatory budgeting.

According to him, a conducive environment will be provided through a policy framework that will be congenial to the economic and infrastructural development of Kwara communities.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, Mr Tayo Oyelowo, the deputy governor hailed the community for organising the summit.

“This is the first of its kind in the history of the state. This step is worthy of emulation. It is a laudable idea for the entirety of the nation,” he said.

As early as 8 am on Friday, June 14, the first day of the summit, the ODU Hall, venue of the Summit billed for 10 am, was already jam-packed as the indegenes and participants including invited dignataries from far and near had defied the early rainfall to storm the summit venue in thier hundreds.

Dr Sarah Alade, a retired deputy governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), had in a key note address identified digital infrastructure as a critical key toward developing the nation’s economy.

She spoke on: ‘‘The Nexus Between Industrial and Infrastrutural Facilities in Offa.’’

She said such digital infrastructure, when provided, would not only develop the economy but also stimulate industrial growth.

According to her, the future is here and technology is the way to go if we must build competitive economy.

‘‘There is need for the provision of digital infrastructure.

‘‘We can increase efficiency of services and transform the economy as new businesses spring up around the digital technology.

‘‘Today innovative technology is being used across Africa to improve living standard and also create new jobs.

‘‘Smart phones are used to provide advice to farmers on pest control.

‘‘In Rwanda drones deliver medical supply to hospitals in rural areas where the road network is poor.

‘‘In Nigeria and elsewhere mobile money provides access to financial services to previously excluded individuals.

‘‘It is therefore important as we have to deliberate on transforming Offa to an emerging city by taking steps to industrialise.”

‘‘We need to go beyond the traditional physical infrastructure of roads, rails, etc. which are keys and also invest in digital infrastructure,’’ she said.

The former CBN boss said Offa has great industrial prospects if there is focus on natural resources, labour supply, strategic location of the town and presence of railway.

She, however, mentioned the major challenges at the moment as insecurity, inadequate landmass, and indequate infrastructure – roads, power, and potable water supply.