Kwara Govt to Commission 50-Tonne Shea Butter Factory in Kaiama, Completes ICT Hub in Shonga as Major Projects Near Delivery

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The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its strong commitment to driving entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable economic growth through strategic investments in industrial and digital infrastructure across the state.

Speaking during the 2025 Q3 Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing organized by the Ministry of Communications on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Hon. Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, highlighted key milestones achieved by the Ministry, noting that eleven landmark projects have been successfully executed and managed across the three senatorial districts.

According to the Commissioner, these projects are strategically designed to accelerate industrialization, expand the state’s innovation ecosystem, and empower entrepreneurs.

She described the Ilorin Innovation Hub as Nigeria’s largest technology hub, providing co-working spaces, mentorship, and innovation programmes for startups and digital creators.

Hon. Adelodun also lauded the success of the Kwara Garment Factory, which stands as one of Nigeria’s largest garment production facilities, creating hundreds of direct and indirect jobs. She added that the Sugar Film Factory has placed Kwara on the national creative map, currently producing its first television series, “Ajuwaya,” to promote the entertainment industry and boost youth participation in filmmaking.

In a move toward sustainability, the Commissioner revealed that the Ministry, in collaboration with Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, has pioneered Nigeria’s first gas-to-electric vehicle conversion project, underscoring the state’s leadership in green technology.

She further noted that over 5,500 students from 50 public schools across the state have been trained under the Kwara Coding and Digital Literacy Programme (Holiday Edition) — a flagship initiative aimed at building a tech-driven and youth-empowered Kwara, equipping students with digital and creative skills for the global economy.

Providing updates on major infrastructural projects, Hon. Adelodun disclosed that the Ilorin International Conference Centre (IICC) has reached 47.03% completion and will be delivered in the first quarter of 2026. The Kwara Hotel Remodeling Project has also attained 71% completion and is expected to be completed within the same period. Both projects, she said, are designed to position Kwara as a major hub for business, tourism, and international events.

The Commissioner announced that the 50-tonne Shea Butter Factory in Kaiama has reached the equipment testing stage and will soon be commissioned, emphasizing that the project will enhance export potential, empower local farmers, and promote industrial development. Similarly, the ICT Hub in Shonga has been completed and is now at the equipment installation and electrical stage.

Other ongoing projects include the rehabilitation and remodeling of the Patigi Regatta Motel, now 80% completed and set for commissioning before December 2025, and the Daada Pottery Facility in Ilorin South, which is designed to preserve cultural heritage and promote local craftsmanship.

Hon. Adelodun also highlighted the Ministry’s active participation in key trade and investment events, including the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Trade Fair, the Kwara Vile Vendors (KVV) Trade Fair, and several Business-to-Business (B2B) Summits connecting local entrepreneurs to investors and international partners.

The Commissioner reaffirmed that these initiatives reflect Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration’s commitment to inclusive economic growth, innovation, and job creation in line with the state’s long-term development agenda.