The Nigerian government has announced plans to establish jewellery training centres across the country to harness the vast potential of the gemstone industry for youth employment and economic growth.
Dr. Oladele Alake, the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, made this statement at the National Gemstone and Jewellery Exhibition. The event was organised by the World Bank-assisted Mineral Sector for Economic Diversification project in collaboration with the Ministry.
Dr. Alake emphasised the importance of jewellery making in adding value to the mining industry. He highlighted that, in addition to the training centres, the government has outlined several initiatives aimed at developing the jewellery and gemstones industry into a world-class sector. These initiatives include establishing a promotional body to champion the industry’s interests, and identifying and addressing key enablers to drive growth and development.
Dr. Alake commended the management of the Ministry and MinDiver project officials for their investment in the gemstone value chain and the expansion of the industry’s frontiers.
