Kaduna Industrial Area Now Residence, Emir of Zazzau Laments …..Tasks el-Rufai on New Industrial Parks
By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna
The Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris has lamented the conversion of industrial areas in Kaduna State into residence, due to death of industries in the state.
The Emir, who was represented by the District Head of Doka and Bunun Zazzau, Alhaji Balarabe Mohammed Tijani, at the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) 2019 interactive forum with stakeholders in Kaduna, said places carved out as industrial areas have now transformed to residential areas without new ones being created.
“Areas reserved for industries are dying and owners are selling the lands off, some are converted to residential areas. The industries are dying off, no new ones are coming up”. He said.
He therefore urged Governor Nasir el-Rufai to create industrial parks with necessary infrastructures for small and medium scale industries to create massive jobs and address insecurity in Nigeria.
According to the monarch, such industrial park with constant electricity, good roads, potable water, warehouses for rent and other such infrastructure will go a long way in replacing the moribund and dead industries in the state, while steering youth away from crime and vices.
“I want the Kaduna state government to look at the possibility of building industrial parks for small and medium scale businesses with infrastructures such as roads, independent power supply, and warehouses that people can come and rent and use for business.”
In his remarks, Kaduna state Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Mr Idris Nyam said the state government has initiated series of programmes to address challenges of socio-economic growth and development of the state. “Kaduna state has gained national and international recognition with international organisations like World Bank and other development partners.
“ITF has carved a notch for itself in Nigerian economy in the area of training. We want ITF to partner with us on skill gap analysis. We want to identify and work on skills for tomorrow for our citizens.”
The Director General/ Chief Executive, ITF, Sir Joseph Ari said the “interactive forum culture was introduced by the fund to create an avenue for the area offices and its stakeholders to exchange ideas, views, and information that will clarify grey areas, increase trust and improve relevant work processes towards achievement of various organisational goals.
“Some Nigerians still think that ITF is just an organisation that pays students and collect tax from companies. This is an avenue to know more.”
