Kwara Govt Completes Four Key Projects, Highlights Economic Transformation Initiatives
The Kwara State Government has announced the completion of four major projects under the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Technology in the fourth quarter of 2024.
The projects include the Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) Innovation Hub, the conversion of gasoline-powered vehicles to electric vehicles, the Garment Factory, and the Sugar Film Factory.
The Commissioner for Business, Innovation, and Technology, Hon. Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, disclosed this during the 4th quarter Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing organized by the Ministry of Communications at the Ministry of Finance conference room.
According to the Commissioner, the ICT Innovation Hub is ready for commissioning, while the groundbreaking electric vehicle conversion project, executed in collaboration with Kwara State University, Malete, has been successfully completed and tested.
She stated that the official handover of the project is scheduled for January 2025. “This initiative is expected to encourage widespread adoption of electric vehicle conversions across government offices and individual users,” she said.
Highlighting other achievements, Hon. Damilola noted that the Kwara State Garment Factory trained over 300 individuals in 2024, providing employment opportunities and producing high-quality clothing materials. Similarly, the Sugar Film Factory hosted the first-ever Best of Nollywood Awards in November 2024, attracting partnerships and proposals from the entertainment industry.
The Commissioner also outlined six ongoing projects, including:
Ilorin International Conference Centre: A facility with a main auditorium seating over 1,500 people, expected to boost business growth and economic development.
Kwara Hotel Remodeling: Currently at 50% completion, the hotel features 119 rooms and is expected to complement the conference centre in promoting tourism and business.
Kaiama Shea Butter Factory: A ₦3.3 billion project aimed at producing refined shea butter to international standards.
The second phase will utilize waste materials for biofuel production.
Patigi Regatta Motel: Undergoing rehabilitation to enhance tourism and economic growth in the area.
Modern Pottery Centre in Dada: A ₦120 million initiative designed to empower women and youths through specialized training, in partnership with Lagos and Chinese firms.
ICT Hub in Shonga: Approved by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, this project aims to create technology career opportunities for youths and facilitate ICT examinations in surrounding communities.
Commending Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s leadership, Hon. Damilola applauded his free transport initiative to ease fuel scarcity in 2024 and the recent transport palliative for stranded students returning to school in January 2025, which received commendations from universities across the state.
She also highlighted the supervision of markets like Mandate Market, Kulende Market, and the recently completed Gbugbu Market, emphasizing their contribution to enhanced revenue generation.
“The Ministry remains committed to driving transformative initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and community growth across Kwara State,” Hon. Damilola concluded.
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