Wole Adedeji, Ilorin
Nigeria by now must urgently diversify it’s economy and invest with zeal, in agriculture, small and medium scale entrepreneur, Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has said.
The governor was of this assertion while receiving Course 28 participants of the Nigerian Defense College, Abuja who were on study tour of the state in his office.
He said: “The theme of your study tour —Economic Diversification and National Development in Nigeria —is very apt. The time has come for us to diversify our economy and drive growth to cope with our surging population.
“Our security as a country is directly linked to our ability to engage our population in productive endeavour and guarantee food security.”
AbdulRazaq said his administration is prioritising small and medium scale businesses and agroprocessing.
READ ALSO: http://Renowned philanthropist, Afolabi installed as ACU Chancellor, pledges N1bn investment
He added: “Kwara State under us is engaging with various companies to grow small and medium scale businesses.
“We are also encouraging bigger corporations to deepen their investments here.
“Very soon, the Kwara State Social Investment Programme will come on stream, especially targeted at lifting the poorest out of poverty line, empowering the artisans and small business owners and teaching skills to thousands of others.” The governor also speaking earlier at an event commemorating the World Food Day said Kwara would partner with various stakeholders to ensure food security.
He disclosed that sugar production, which he identified as major comparative advantage for the state, would be of utmost priority.
“The way forward is agriculture and agroprocessing. That is our future. We are in central part of Nigeria and Kwara alone can feed the nation.
“This is particularly true in sugar production where we have the potentials to feed the whole country,” he said, citing the upcoming $350m sugar refinery by BUA Group.
“The coming on board of the Dangote Group and ongoing talks with AMCON to revive the Bacita Sugar Company in the state,” he added.
