The Kwara State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Afees Alabi, has said the Kaiama Shea Butter Factory will create 10,000 direct and indirect jobs after completion.

Mr Alabi disclosed this during a visit to the site to assess ongoing work and ensure alignment with the state government’s delivery priorities on Saturday in Kaiama.

The commissioner explained that the factory would engage collectors, processors, transporters, and small-scale traders, with significant benefits for rural women and youths.

He said that the factory, located in the heart of a major shea-producing zone, was a strategic investment aimed at unlocking the full potential of Kwara’s abundant shea resources.

Mr Alabi lauded the superior quality of Kwara’s shea butter, noting its high oil content, natural purity and growing local and international demand; particularly in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food sectors.

“This factory represents more than an industrial project—it is a symbol of how local potential can drive global relevance,” he stated.

He said that the factory was part of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s bold and people-centered approach to governance and his resolve to stimulate inclusive economic growth and uplift rural communities.

The commissioner added, “This is what it means to govern with vision; investing in the land, empowering the people, and securing the future.’’.

He said that the factory was a key part of the Kwara State Government’s broader strategy to drive sustainable agro-industrial development and empower rural communities.

The commissioner added that the project would also position the state as a competitive leader in Nigeria’s agricultural value chain. 

(NAN)