The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake has disclosed the Federal Government’s move to establish jewelry training centres across the country to create jobs and galvanize the industry for the export of Nigerian made jewelries.
Alake made the disclosure while addressing 62 graduates of the Masters Jewellery Making Project at the National Gemstone and Jewellery exhibition organised by the World Bank assisted Mineral Sector for Economic Diversification (MinDiver) in collaboration with the Ministry.
In line with the Ministry’s 7-Point Agenda, he maintained that the jewellery making potential displayed by the graduates during the tour of the exhibition stands is a step in the right direction for the industry.
He hailed the ingenuity and professionalism of the graduates who were 25 Masters Trainees, while 37 were certified as Advanced Trainees of the Batch three Masters Jewellery making project.
He also assured them of the federal government’s support for the expansion of their business, because their trade adds value to the mining industry in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, according to the Minister, a body to promote the industry and identify the enablers will be set up in order to ensure commitment to building the jewellery and gemstones into a world-class industry.
He (Alake) also acknowledged and commended investment and development of Nigeria’s gemstone value-chain and expansion of the frontiers of knowledge in the jewellery making industry by the management of the Ministry and officials of the MinDiver project.
The Minister expressed optimism that the plans by the federal government would enable the country to adequately maximise the opportunities in the market, which is projected to grow from USD 199 billion to USD 255 billion in 2025.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates and starter packs to graduates of Laurel School of Mining, a training school partnering with the Ministry for jewellery making.
He said: “The development of Nigeria’s gems and jewellery industry is expected to have a significant impact on the economy. This industry has the potential to create jobs that can help reduce poverty.
“When fully harnessed, Nigeria gems and jewellery industry can contribute to the local economy by generating wealth and creating opportunities for export.”
Earlier, the Project Coordinator MinDiver, Engr Salim Salaam, explained that based on the painstaking investment in the skills of the graduates showcases the results seen in exhibition, which jewellery of exquisite craftsmanship is being displayed.
Salaam also expressed confidence that the jewelry produced can compete and surpass others internationally, therefore, would contribute substantially to the development of the mining industry.
“The showcasing of exquisitely finished products processed from the nation’s solid minerals gives verve to the value addition policy championed by the minister. Our gemstones and jewelries can rival the best globally”, he said.
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