Kwara Govt set to commission 50-ton Shea Butter Factory in Kaiama, completes ICT Hub in Shonga

The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to promoting entrepreneurship, advancing innovation and strengthening the business ecosystem across the state.

Speaking on Wednesday during the 2025 Q3 Inter-Ministerial Press Briefing organized by the Ministry of Communications, held at the Ministry of Finance conference room, the Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Hon. Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, outlined the Ministry’s major achievements and ongoing projects, explaining that the Ministry has successfully executed and managed eleven landmark projects across the three senatorial districts.

The Commissioner added that these projects are strategically designed to accelerate industrialization, drive innovation and stimulate sustainable economic growth in Kwara State, noting that the Ministry has recorded remarkable progress in promoting innovation and enterprise development through initiatives such as the Ilorin Innovation Hub, now recognized as the largest technology hub in Nigeria.

Hon. Adelodun said that the hub provides co-working spaces, mentorship and innovation programmes for startups and tech entrepreneurs, while describing the establishment of the Kwara Garment Factory as one of Nigeria’s largest garment production centres, which has created hundreds of direct and indirect employment opportunities for the people of Kwara State.

She revealed that the Sugar Film Factory has positioned Kwara State prominently within Nigeria’s film industry, saying the facility is currently producing its first television series titled “Ajuwaya” – the first of its kind in the state, which will further promote the creative sector and boost youth participation in the entertainment industry.

The Commissioner also disclosed that the Ministry, in collaboration with Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, has successfully pioneered Nigeria’s first gas-to-electric vehicle conversion project, demonstrating the state’s leadership in green technology and sustainability.

Hon. Adelodun stated that through the Office of the Special Assistant on Digital Innovation, the Kwara State Government Coding and Digital Literacy Programme (Holiday Edition) has trained over 5,500 students from 50 public schools across all 16 Local Government Areas, reaffirming that the initiative represents a bold step towards building a tech-driven, youth-empowered Kwara and equipping young people with critical digital and creative skills for the global economy.

While highlighting ongoing infrastructural projects across the state, the Commissioner noted that the Ilorin International Conference Centre (IICC) has reached 47.03% completion and is slated for delivery in the first quarter of 2026, adding that upon completion, the world-class facility will serve as a major hub for conferences, exhibitions and events that would attract both local and international visitors as well as boost the state’s economy.

Hon. Adelodun further stated that the Kwara Hotel Remodeling Project has also reached 71% completed and scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2026, reiterating that this project will reposition Kwara as a leading destination for tourism and business hospitality, create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

In addition, the Commissioner revealed that the 50-ton Shea Butter Factory in Kaiama has attained the equipment testing stage and will soon be commissioned, assuring that the factory will enhance the state’s export potential, empower local farmers and producers and significantly contribute to industrial development in Kwara State.

Similarly, Hon. Adelodun disclosed that the Rehabilitation and Remodeling of the Patigi Regatta Motel is 80% completed, with tiling works ongoing and completion expected before December 2025 and the Daada Pottery Facility in Ilorin South Local Government Area, designed to preserve Kwara’s cultural heritage and promote local craftsmanship, is progressing steadily, while the ICT Hub in Shonga, Kwara North, has been fully completed and is currently at the equipment installation and electrical phase.

The Commissioner also emphasised the Ministry’s active participation in major trade and investment events aimed at promoting Kwara’s economic potential, such as the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Trade Fair, where Kwara showcased its locally made products and investment opportunities; sponsorship of the Kwara Vile Vendors (KVV) Trade Fair, which supported small-scale entrepreneurs through subsidized business registration; and involvement in Business-to-Business (B2B) Summits, connecting local businesses to investors and foreign partners.

Taibat Baba Adams,
Press Secretary,
MBIT.