The Kwara State Government, under the leadership of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, is actively redefining the State's economic landscape through a strategic blend of innovation, technology, and strategic investments in human capital development.

A key component of this strategy is the state's focus on value addition within its natural resource sector. Kwara is currently pulling strings to ensure improved processed shea nut for controlled exports, aiming to secure more foreign exchange earnings for both the State and the country. This value addition is centered around the Shea Butter Processing Plant in Kaiama. This plant is specifically designed to create more employment opportunities, generate revenue, and improve the entire economy of the State by transforming raw materials into higher-value export products.

Governor Abdulrazaq's commitment is clearly reflected in his people-centered governance, which emphasizes entrepreneurship, youth empowerment, and digital transformation. His administration continues to harness the State's natural and human resources to drive socio-economic growth, create jobs, and promote prosperity across communities, reinforcing the goal of building a sustainable and inclusive economy.

Speaking at the third-quarter Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing organised by the Ministry of Communications, Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, highlighted the government's progress in implementing 11 major capital projects, six of which have been completed while five are ongoing.

According to her, key projects include the ICT Hub in Shonga, the Ilorin Innovation Hub, the Kwara Garment Factory, the Sugar Film Factory, and the Shea Butter Processing Factory in Kaiama, among others.

Adelodun attributed these achievements to the vision and mission of Governor Abdulrazaq, describing him as "a leader who understands the economic landscape of Kwara and aligns every project to the state's developmental needs."

"His Excellency, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, is a man of vision who understands what Kwara needs. About 40% of our projects focus on harnessing local raw materials to create value and employment. Collectively, these projects are expected to generate no fewer than 10,000 jobs, significantly reducing unemployment across the state," she said.

She added that about 30% of the projects are directed towards developing the creative economy and tourism, positioning Kwara as a destination for both local and international visitors.

On small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), Adelodun said the ministry has established industrial hubs to promote export-ready businesses and enhance revenue generation.

"In the tech space, we focus on empowering youths through training and digital skills development at the Ilorin Innovation Hub. Many of our young people can now work remotely for international firms and earn in foreign currencies. That's one of our key objectives," she explained.

The Commissioner disclosed that the Shea Butter Processing Plant in Kaiama, with a capacity of 50 tonnes, is at 80% completion and currently undergoing equipment testing. The facility, part of Kwara's broader industrialisation strategy, is designed to harness the region's rich shea nut resources to create local value rather than exporting raw materials.

"Once operational, the factory will provide direct and indirect employment for thousand of our people especially women and youths across the value chain. This include collection, processing, transport, and trade," she noted.

The initiative aligns with the Federal Government's policy restricting the export of raw shea nuts to encourage domestic processing and industrial growth.

"Our focus is on making Kwara's shea butter export-ready for cosmetics and skincare industries within and outside the state. This will enhance the state's export potential and generate substantial income for farmers and traders," she added.

Adelodun noted that all 11 projects under her ministry are strategically designed to accelerate industrialisation, drive innovation, and stimulate sustainable economic growth across the three senatorial districts.

She cited the Ilorin Innovation Hub – the largest in Nigeria as a key driver of digital entrepreneurship, offering co-working spaces, mentorship, and incubation programs for startups.

The Kwara Garment Factory, one of the largest in the country, is already creating hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, with a workforce target of 2,000. Similarly, the Sugar Film Factory has positioned Kwara prominently in Nigeria's film industry and is currently producing its first television series, "Ajuwaya", the first of its kind in the state.

The Ministry has also partnered with Kwara State University (KWASU) to pioneer Nigeria's first gas-to-electric vehicle conversion project, underscoring the state's leadership in green technology and sustainability.

Through the Office of the Special Assistant on Digital Innovation, over 5,500 students from 50 public schools across all 16 local government areas have been trained under the Kwara Coding and Digital Literacy Programme (Holiday Edition), a milestone in building a tech-driven and youth-empowered Kwara.

Ilorin International Conference Centre (IICC): 47.03% completed; expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2026. It will serve as a world-class hub for conferences and exhibitions.

Kwara Hotel Remodeling Project: 71% completed; also slated for delivery in Q1 2026. It aims to reposition the state as a prime destination for business and tourism.

Patigi Regatta Motel Rehabilitation: 80% completed; expected to be ready by December 2025.

Daada Pottery Facility (Ilorin South): Designed to preserve cultural heritage and promote local craftsmanship; progressing steadily.

ICT Hub in Shonga: Fully completed, currently at equipment installation and electrical phase.

Promoting Kwara's Economic Potential

The Commissioner further disclosed that the state has been actively participating in major trade and investment events such as the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Trade Fair and the Kwara Vile Vendors (KVV) Trade Fair, where local entrepreneurs were supported through subsidized business registration.

Kwara has also participated in Business-to-Business (B2B) Summits, connecting local entrepreneurs with investors and foreign partners to enhance business growth and attract investment.

Projection for the Coming Year

Looking ahead, Adelodun assured that more youths will be trained and gainfully employed as the state's economy continues to thrive.

"In the next one year, we expect to see more young people trained and employed, higher revenue generation, and improved living standards. Within the next five years, Kwara's economy will experience exponential growth and greater prosperity for all," she assured.