Under the leadership of the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Technology has been instrumental in fostering the economic growth and development of the State.
The State Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Hon. Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, stated this during the 2nd quarterly Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing organised by the Ministry of Communications at the conference room of the Ministry of Finance.
Hon. Damilola said that the Ministry has been at the forefront of promoting entrepreneurship, innovation and technology in the State.
The key responsibilities include: supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), advancing digital transformation and creating programmes to stimulate economic development. Through its initiatives, the Ministry aims to create a business-friendly environment, provide access to funding and drive sustainable economic growth across its Local Government Areas.
The Commissioner noted that one of the Ministry’s landmark projects is the Ilorin Innovation Centre, which will open in 2025, adding that once this centre becomes operational, this ICT hub is expected to create 10,000 job opportunities for youths as well as serve as a central facility for technological development across the State.
She pointed out that this initiative aligns with Governor AbdulRazaq’s vision of transforming Kwara into a technological power house, saying the centre will not only focus on career development in the technology sector but will also act as a catalyst for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among young people.
Hon. Damilola also revealed that, in collaboration with Kwara State University, the Ministry has also embarked on the conversion of gasoline vehicles to electric vehicles, disclosing further that this pilot project has successfully converted a bus, which is currently being tested before its official hand over to the government.
As part of the broader vision to reduce carbon emissions and embrace green energy, the Commissioner informed that additional buses are expected to be converted by the end of the year, stressing that this initiative positions Kwara as a leader in adopting sustainable transportation solutions thereby opening doors to further investments in the electric vehicle industry.
Similarly, Hon. Damilola said that the Kwara Garment Factory is another significant achievement under the Ministry’s purview, which has commenced manufacturing of a wide range of clothing, from military uniforms to school wears, mentioning that over 300 locals have already been employed, with an additional recruitment phase expected soon.
The Commissioner also affirmed that the Kwara Sugar Film Factory has generated 100 direct and 500 indirect jobs and is set to host the 2024 Best of Nollywood Awards, reiterating that these industrial ventures are not only driving job creation but also promoting local entrepreneurship and investment.
Hon. Damilola highlighted six ongoing projects, which the Ministry is currently overseeing such as Ilorin International Conference Centre, Shea Butter Factory in Kaiama, remodeling of Kwara Hotel, construction of modern facilities – the ICT Hub in Shonga, among others, noting that these projects are expected to enhance the State’s commercial and industrial landscapes, attract investments and improve the standard of living.
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