News report from the Kwara State government indicates that the multimillion Naira Kwara Garment Factory, one of the flagship initiatives of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's administration, has officially launched and begun producing high-quality sportswear, including jerseys for the state's contingents at the ongoing National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State.

Located along Tunde Idiagbon International Airport Road, Ilorin, the factory has commenced its first phase of production, with plans for further development. The state government recently made an on-the-spot assessment of the facility to ensure the completion of the project.

During a tour of the factory, the State Commissioner for Business, Innovation, and Technology, Mrs. Damilola Yusuf-Adelodun, highlighted that the garment factory is part of Governor AbdulRazaq's initiatives to boost socio-economic activities and improve the well-being of citizens.

She said the factory is set to revolutionise the Nigerian textile industry with the official commissioning of the state of the art Garment factory.

The commissioner, during the tour, took time to assess the amount of work the consultant engaged by the state government had done, the management and operations of the factory and Star Sewing Machine Limited under the leadership of Mr Mohammed Sharunn.

Mrs. Yusuf-Adelodun appreciated the level of work the consultant had done while inspecting the factory, led by the Managing Director of the Garment Factory, Hajia Bukola Adedeji.

She commended the workers on their level of performance and tasked them to be dedicated to duties and ensure they understand how the machines are operated properly.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, expressed delight at the performance of the consultant, appreciating the workers for the effective usage of the machines and equipment.

Adeosun reassured guests that the Ministry will provide guidance and support to ensure the factory reaches its full potential of creating employment opportunity and stimulating the state economic growth.

Meanwhile, the factory recently made a supply of High-Quality Tracksuits and Jerseys to the Kwara State representatives at the National Youth Games currently taking place in Asaba, Delta State.

The sport kits were delivered to the Kwara State Sports Commission with the Executive Chairman of the commission, Mallam Bolakale Mogaji, receiving them at the state Stadium complex, Ilorin.

Mogaji, a seasoned sportsman with extensive experience both as a player and coach across various countries, inspected the quality of the materials and praised the uniqueness of the design.

He said, “the quality and design of the jerseys and tracksuits are exceptional. If properly managed, Kwara Garment Factory has the potential to become one of the leading manufacturers of high-quality sportswear in Africa”.

Mogaji, however, encouraged Nigerians to support and patronise the factory, assuring that their feedback would be invaluable in maintaining and improving standards.

He expressed gratitude to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for establishing the garment factory, recognising its importance in promoting local industry and enhancing the state's sporting image.

In an interview with the Managing Director, Adedeji, she disclosed that the Kwara Garment Factory, a limited liability company, was established to boost the garment manufacturing sector in the State and contribute to economic growth.

She added that it was conceived as part of Governor Abdulrazaq's visionary efforts to create job opportunities, improve the local economy, and reduce dependence on imported garments.

“The factory is aimed to empower local tailors, garment makers, and support industries tied to the textile and fashion sectors.

“By leveraging modern technology and highly skilled labour, the factory is well-positioned to provide top-notch products to its customers”,she added.

Adedej disclosed further that the factory is capable of producing a wide range of apparels but the initial focus will be on T-shirts (bespoke inclusive) Polo Shirts (customizable for corporate branding, bespoke inclusive) Sportswear for schools, sport clubs and associations.

School Uniforms, Uniforms for corporate agencies and Hospitals, aprons and caps.

She emphasised that the factory is after quality, style, and sustainability as each product is crafted with attention to detail, ensuring durability, comfort, and customer satisfaction.

The Managing Director revealed that the future prospects of the factory are bright, as it is positioned to create jobs with ongoing expansion plans while the factory is set to employ more people, both directly and indirectly.

Similarly, the factory is working towards driving the Internally generated revenue for the state by attracting big brands, she added.

The factory has developed a step-by-step marketing strategy to target large corporations and institutions looking for customized garments in bulk.

Adedeji also said the idea of establishing the factory is to reduce import dependence, by providing high-quality locally produced garments stressing that the factory hopes to reduce the state's and country's reliance on imported apparels.

“There is potential for international export to African countries, and we aim to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to contribute to Kwara's industrial growth: Other prospects of the factory include backward integration such as cotton farming, textile production etc” she added.

Public Response

The general public response to the establishment of Kwara Garment Factory has been positive.

Many Kwarans see it as a key step in industrializing the state and providing job opportunities for the youth.

Here are some views from the people

Economic impact: Kwara citizens are proud of the factory's role in empowering local labour and providing much-needed employment, with many young people now seeing garment making as a viable career.

Quality of products:

Customers who have ordered from Kwara Garment Factory, including, Kwara State Sports Commission have praised the quality and timely delivery of products like tracksuits, school uniforms, and custom-branded items.

The neat stitching and durability of the materials have earned the factory a strong reputation.

Affordable pricing: Many citizens appreciate the factory's products competitive pricing. Products of the factory offer great value for money compared to imported alternatives.

Local pride: Kwarans are excited to see a government-led initiative that is transforming the state into a garment producing environment.