To boost entrepreneurship in the mining industry and support the local value addition policy, the federal government is to establish additional gemstone and jewellery-making centres across the country.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake made this known during a tour of the Laurel School of Mining in Abuja.
Dr. Alake pledged the Federal Government’s commitment to sustain the centre and establish more across the country.
“From our raw materials such as gold, sapphire, gemstones, and the likes, we are now seeing finished products of jewelry being made at this centre. That is value addition. This is a significant contribution to our mining industry, which has the potential to provide employment for our youths, drive industrialization of the sector, and generate more revenue for the country” he stated.
According to him, the products are comparable to the best at the international market.
Dr. Alake also stressed the importance of increasing jewelry production, not just to meet local demand but also for export purposes.
The Minister, who noted that this sector has the potential to become a major foreign exchange earner for the country, commended the centre for leading the way in training jewellery and gemstone makers.
He expressed satisfaction with the quality of the jewellery produced.
Dr. Alake, who applauded the initiative, directed the Managing Director, Mr. Tope Adebanjo to submit a detailed proposal to the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mary Ogbe, for further action.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Laurel School of Mining, Mr. Tope Adebanjo outlined plans to further develop entrepreneurs in Nigeria’s gemstones and jewelry industry and requested continued support from Dr. Alake to ensure maximum utilization of the centre’s equipment to foster the growth of mining entrepreneurs who will create wealth and employment opportunities for the nation’s youths.
The Laurel School of Mining which is a professional training facility dedicated to the development of the gem and jewelry industry focuses on mining, exploration, manufacturing of high-quality gemstones and jewelry, with support from the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD).
By Georgina Humphrey, Edited By Blessing Nyor
