The Kwara Executive Council has approved the establishment of an industrial park at Eiyenkorin in Asa Local Government Area of the state.
The state Commissioner for Works, Mr Rotimi Illiasu, disclosed this in a statement in Ilorin on Saturday.
Illiasu said the council also approved the establishment of a Shea nut processing factory at Kiama in Edu Local Government Area of the state.
The commissioner noted that the initiatives would hasten industrialisation, provide more jobs for the people and widen the state’s economic base.
He said the council approved the award of the first phase of the industrial park to Messrs Fab Confidential Ltd at the cost of N1,021,039,165.63.
Illiasu said the first phase of the project comprised perimeter fence, entrance gate and lay-by, concrete pavement (road, drainage and car park) and power supply.
He explained that the project is expected to be funded through the state’s recently accessed bond.
According to him, the industrial park will occupy some 196 hectares of land, comprising residential buildings, facility manager’s house, wood processing section, agro processing section, commercial section, metal and minerals processing and green area, amongst others.
“The contractor for the first phase was picked after a procurement process supervised and approved by the Kwara State Public Procurement Agency.
“The council also approved the establishment of a well-equipped 50-ton capacity Shea nut processing factory to SAO-Agro Allied Services at the cost of N2,598,000,000.00 following a certified procurement process involving other bidders,” he said.
Illiasu disclosed that the state Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Mr Ibrahim Akaje, had informed the council that the project when completed would provide job opportunities for over 10,000 women and youths involved in Shea nut business.
According to him, the state will properly tap into the global demand for Shea nut produce valued at $30 billion.
The commissioner added that the council similarly approved the purchase and installation of high-end fit-out equipment and machines for the ongoing Sugar Factory Studios in Ilorin, awarded to POV Studios Limited at the cost of N420,250,000.
