Kwara State Governor, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has announced that the second-largest shea processing factory in Nigeria is set to be commissioned in the state.
AbdulRazaq stated that the facility, located in Kaiama Local Government Area, is ready for commissioning soon to boost the economic potential of the community and the state.
He noted that the factory is the second-largest shea processing firm in Nigeria, representing a major shift toward local value addition in the country’s agricultural sector.
He added that the facility will play a significant role in shaping the economy of Kaiama and the state once fully operational.
The Governor spoke in Ilorin on the sidelines of a visit by a delegation from the Kaiama community, led by the Emir, Alhaji Muazu Omar, who came to express their gratitude.
“We are soon coming to commission the shea factory, which is the second-largest in Nigeria and a catalyst for economic uplifting in that area as well,” the Governor said.
AbdulRazaq thanked the team for the visit and their show of appreciation, noting that the success achieved regarding security is a collective effort worth commending.
“The cases of banditry and insecurity have gone down. I will not say it is a thing of the past, but we have recorded huge success thus far. And they did not just go or walk away; it is due to the efforts of our security agencies, the vigilantes, the local government, the traditional council, and all those put in positions of responsibility to take care of this job. They have all done well,” he said.
Abdulrazaq mentioned that he is currently in talks with the relevant authorities to ensure that work resumes on the Kaiama-Bode Saadu road project and that contractors return to the site safely.
He also pledged to schedule an appointment with the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in the coming week to discuss expediting work on the Kishi-Kaiama road and the Moro bridge.
Earlier, the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Omar, stated that the Governor’s swift actions and leadership qualities shortly after the attack went a long way toward achieving the desired results.
He acknowledged the Governor’s role in facilitating Operation Savannah Shield, covering the medical bills of injured security personnel and forest guards from subsequent attacks, and other interventions.
“The main reason for this visit is to formally express the profound gratitude of the entire Kaiama community to Your Excellency for your relentless efforts, personal sacrifice, and exceptional commitment to the release of the abductees,” the Emir said, speaking through the Mutawali of Kaiama, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Umar.
Omar further thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his sympathetic and fatherly response to the plight of the people and the concrete steps taken to alleviate the unfortunate situation.
He appealed to the Governor to engage the Federal Government to resume work on the Bode Saadu-Kaiama road project to facilitate the easy movement of goods and people.
He also commended AbdulRazaq’s stance on power shift to Kwara North, an action they said reflects his love for the region and his firm belief in inclusiveness and brotherhood.
“We appreciate your rare show of love, inclusiveness, and brotherhood, and we pledge to reciprocate this kind gesture with our overwhelming support in the coming elections,” he said.
