Biodun Esan, Ilorin
GovernorAbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara has said that the state industrial park underconstruction will create jobs for the youths and improve Internal GeneratedRevenue (IGR) when completed.
TheGovernor, who said this on Thursday when he paid a working visit to the industrial park site at Eiyenkorin in Asa local government, said it is a catalystfor development in the state.
TheGovernor expressed happiness with the level of work done so far, adding that theproject will create job opportunities for people and enhance the economic andrevenue base of the state.
Hesaid several big firms have already indicated interest in the project.
“Thisis phase one of the industrial park. We are happy with the progress of the work.Already, we have some investors who have indicated interest.Yesterday,a company came around for the prospect of building a CNG conversion plant toprovide plant and gas for cars. BUA is also coming in as it already indicatedinterest in production here.
“Thisis a catalyst for development in the state. The key things are economicexpansion, job creation, and IGR drive.
“We are very optimistic that very soon;this place will be fully occupied. And that’s progress for Kwara,” the Governortold reporters shortly after inspecting the facility.
Askedwhen the project will be fully completed, AbdulRazaq said the industrial parkis a project that will keep expanding as industries and business interests site their businesses there.
Accordingto him, the government will only provide the necessary infrastructure for it tothrive such as is being done with concrete roads, drainage, electricity, andsecurity networks, among others.
“Tosimplify it, this first phase is two square kilometers and will extendeventually to 10 square kilometers. Part of it will be an export processingzone. So we are very optimistic that it is a big thing,” he said.
AbdulRazaqalso visited the Sugar Factory Film Studio, believed to be one of its kind inNigeria and on the continent.
“Theexpansive film studio will produce its first movie in the next few weeks,” theGovernor said.
AbdulRazaq, who said he was impressed with the quality of the facilities at the studio, said Kwara isready to cause an upset in the Nigerian creative industry.
“Welcometo Sugar Factory Film Studio. The first production will start in two weeks. It isabout creativity. It is about creating jobs and expanding the creativeindustries.
“Thisis one of its kind in Nigeria. Just wait and see in the next couple of monthswhat will come out of here.
“Tostart with, there are very few studios with the same standard as Kwara’s Filmstudio in the sub-region. Then, after the studio, we have world-class equipmenthere.
“Wewill continue to upgrade the equipment and expand the studios. But fromwhat we have seen here, surely, there is nothing like this in Nigeria today,”he said.
ManagingDirector, of Sugar Factory Film Studio, Mr Olagbenga Titiloye, in his remarks,said the studio will be the biggest in Africa, commending the vision andeconomic drive of the Governor.
“Apart From being the biggest in Africa, if you look around, it is a one-of-its-kind facility in Nigeria and Africa as well.
“His Excellency’s drive to create employment in the entertainment industry is yielding fruitful results.
“We Are 100 percent prepared. You can see the sets and equipment that will be used to shoot the series that is going to DSTV,” he said.
The Governor was accompanied on the working visits by Commissioner for Works Abdulqowiyu Olododo and Alhaji Abdulrazaq Jiddah.
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