By Bukola Adama
The Kwara State Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed has disclosed that his administration is working on the establishment of Export Processing Zone in the state.
Governor Ahmed who dropped the hint at the Government House, Ilorin while receiving the Management of the Bank of Industry(BOI) , led by his Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Olukayode Pitan, said arrangement is on top gear to fast track the development of the free trade zone.
According to the governor, “The state government had made initial submissions through the Bank of Investment and hope to follow up in areas where the state will be able to create Export Processing Zone through key anchor tenants which is already on ground”.
The governor who underscored the importance of the free trade zone, said the government would spare no effort to ensure that the plan becomes a reality.
He added that the zone will generate more job opportunities as a result of economic activities that will be occasioned from the zone.
Said he:”The plan to have Export Processing Zone in the state is part of the government’s plan to turn around socio-economic activities of the state”.
He explained that necessary mechanism had been put in place to attract investors to the state.
Ahmed also commended the Bank of Industry for its ceaseless support to entrepreneurs in the state and also solicited more supports for the upcoming entrepreneurs.
The governor who spoke about his government economy recovery strategy through support Small Medium Enterprises, spoke of his intention to upscale the programme to cover more people.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Bank of Industry, Mr Olukayode Pitan lauded the government for its various supports for Small and Medium Enterprises in the state.
He told the governor about the Bank’s investment in the state, disclosing that Bank of Industry had N12billion facility in the state.
Pitan explained that N9billion had been distributed to various companies in the state and promised to do more.
Therefore, the Managing Director further sought the state partnership in boosting the state economy for growth and development.
