By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has said the state will attract an investment worth N30 billion through public-private partnership in the manufacturing, power, health, energy and aviation sectors between now and 2019.
The governor made this disclosure at the ground-breaking ceremony of the ‘The Hub’ held at the site on Thursday.
“Our target as a state is to attract investments worth N30 billion through public -private partnerships in key sectors such as manufacturing, power, health, energy and aviation between now and 2019,” he said.
Ahmed described The Hub as a landmark ultra-modern shopping and office complex, which initiative he said would transform the landscape of Ilorin, stimulate commerce and attract investors. He said about N1.5b worth had been estimated for new investments in solid mineral sector within the same period, which he said would project investment inflow depending on critical factors such as Federal Government policy consistency, stable monetary climate and the appropriate incentive regime.
“With 64 outlets subdivided into different dimensions of office suites, and multi-use stalls and coupled with its strategic location along the dualized Fate Road, the Hub, no doubt, presents great economic opportunities for Kwara State in terms of job creation, business growth and enhanced internal revenue. It will also provide trade-enabling services that will increase Kwara State’s competitive advantage,” he explained.
According to him, “the presence of the Hub along Fate Road will further establish Fate as Ilorin’s Shopping Haven as we already have the Kwara Mall situated along this area. It will also address the increasing demand by businesses and investors in the state for outlet spaces.
“In view of these, it is safe to say that greater prosperity is coming to Kwara State because, when investment and opportunities converge, prosperity is imminent and a brighter and rewarding future is assured.”
The governor, however, commended the Management and Board of Harmony Holdings for driving the company towards profitability and delivering economic benefits to the state through private sector-style management and strategic re-engineering, urging them to look into other sectors such as Agriculture, Solid Minerals, Housing and financial services to increase the state’s revenue base and job opportunities.
Ahmed assured the people of continual provision of an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state through business-friendly policies, and sustained infrastructure development. “I must not end this speech without an appeal to all citizens and other public commentators on the management and ownership of government properties to refrain from creating a negative perception about such assets.
“We have subsequently brought these assets under Harmony Holdings Limited or other statutory bodies which are fully government-owned but have the capacity to turn these assets into profit and generate revenue from them,” he added.
Earlier, the Group Managing Director, Harmony Holdings Ltd, Mr. Tope Daramola, said the construction of the edifice falls into the Phase Two of the strategic growth plan and it’s primarily aimed at promoting enterprise in the state.
Daramola noted that the edifice provides opportunity for middle class business to thrive with offices for professionals like architects, lawyers and stock brokers while the shops and showroom are for businesses.
