The Kwara State Government has announced that the soon-to-be-completed Kaiama Shea Butter Factory is poised to generate 10,000 direct and indirect jobs across the region.
The revelation came during an official site visit by the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Afees Alabi, who described the factory as a transformative economic project designed to harness the potential of Kwara’s rich shea resources while empowering rural communities, especially women and youth.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the Commissioner’s inspection was part of efforts to ensure the project aligns with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s development blueprint, which emphasizes inclusive growth and rural revitalization.
Strategically located in the heart of Nigeria’s shea-producing belt, the factory is expected to serve as a hub for local collectors, processors, transporters, and traders. Dr. Alabi noted that the initiative will integrate thousands of smallholders into a thriving value chain, unlocking sustainable livelihoods and fostering grassroots entrepreneurship.
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He praised the superior quality of Kwara’s shea butter, citing its high oil content, natural purity, and growing demand across global markets. With applications in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and food industries, Kwara’s shea butter has the potential to command international attention and boost the state’s export profile.
“This is more than an industrial project, it is a bold statement that Kwara is ready to compete globally by maximizing local resources,” Dr. Alabi stated. “We are witnessing a turning point where the wealth of our land will be translated into real opportunities for our people.”
The Commissioner also emphasized the factory’s alignment with the governor’s people-focused leadership style, highlighting how investments like these are crucial to uplifting rural dwellers and bridging economic disparities.
“With this factory, we are investing not just in infrastructure, but in people — in their dignity, their prosperity, and their future,” he added.
As the Kaiama Shea Butter Factory nears completion, anticipation is building among residents who see the project as a beacon of hope for job creation, wealth generation, and long-term community development. The factory stands as a cornerstone of Kwara’s renewed commitment to industrialization and inclusive governance.