Kwara State Government’s effort at attracting international investments to the state has continue to yield positive result as a group of Chinese Investors expressed their commitment towards investing about $54m in the industrial sector of Kwara State in the next couple of years.
The leader of the team, Mr Shi Zengchao said about $15m would be invested in the next one year in order to ensure commencement of operations as early as possible.
Mr Zengcha who said the group found Kwara State investment friendly due to the prevalence of peace in the State, as well as the investment drive of the state government, added that when the efforts of the group finally takes off, more Chinese investors will set up factories and other investments in all the sectors of the State’s economy.
Responding, the State Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed said the policies of his administration were premised on human capital development and industrial growth in a peaceful environment across the State.
Gov Ahmed said the state’s International Vocational Centre in Ajasse-Ipo in Irepodun local government area of the state is designed to train qualified machinists who will fit perfectly into the developing industrial sector of the State.
“We have a large army of employable youths; school leavers that require very little training and they will fit into the industry you are investing in.
Your proposed investment is very attractive. There are a lot of idle hands that can be employed; indeed, if you want 50,000 people we can get you 50,000 people to work”, the governor said.
Governor Ahmed highlighted some of the factors that make Kwara State investment friendly as including the all year round good weather, the railway lines that transverse the state linking the northern and southern parts of the state as well as the International Airport and Cargo terminal in Ilorin, the State capital.
“This is a very important environment for you to truly invest, but most importantly it is a peaceful environment and our people are very receptive as they welcome visitors”, he assured the Chinese investors.