BY OUR CORRESPONDENT
The Federal Government has affirmed its commitment to expand the base of entry into the profession of Gemstones and Jewelry making for a significant contribution to the gross domestic product of the country with a training institute to boost capacity and skills of youths.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake made this known at the National Gemstones and Jewelry show, organized by the Mineral Sector Support For Economic Diversification (MINDIVER) under the auspices of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.
The theme of the event is- “Sustainable Development of the Gemstones and Jewelry Show”, held at the Chida Event Centre Jabi, Abuja.
Speaking extempore at the double pronged event that marked the presentation of certificates to graduates of Gemstones/ Jewelry and, Exhibition; Dr Alake emphatically stated that in recognition of the huge economic potentials of Gemstones and Jewelry Industry, government will establish training institutes to enhance the capacity of teeming youths and create jobs in line with the renewed hope agenda of the present administration.
” We are going to establish more training institutes or institutions to expand the base of entry into this profession of Gemstones and Jewelry, and then ensure we also have gemologists , laboratories where they can test the quality of gemstone and Jeweleries they are making, to ensure it’s export is of the highest grade and quality”; the Minister added.
While expressing his enthusiasm for the successful completion of the second set of graduates of gemstone and jewelry, a World Bank assisted MinDiver project; the Minister affirmed the commitment of the present administration to initiate measures that twill make the industry grow in leaps and bounds economically for a significant contribution to the gross domestic product of the country.
”The more important point I want to make is that ” this Solid Minerals sector is the next economic jogular of Nigeria. So those who have vision should key-in to the solid mineral sector now. The gemstone and Jewelery making form a critical segment of this sector in Nigeria.
On our part as policy maker and regulator, we are going to ensure the challenges confronting the industry will be faced squarely by us, and these challenges will be resolved, so that this industry can grow and flourish, and employ millions. of youths . And of course bring in the millions for the needed foreign exchange to contribute significantly to our gross domestic product in Nigeria”, Dr Alake asserted.
The Minister, supported by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Mary Ogbe, presented certificates to different batches of graduates including starter packs to enrich their skills acquisition.
Speaking, the National President of Women In Mining In Nigeria(WIMIN), Engr. Mrs. Janet Adeyemi represented by the National Vice President, Mrs Regina Edzuwa stated that the National Gemstone and Jewelry Show is a testament to WIMIN’s advocacy for the empowerment of women in the mining sector. She further affirmed that the event reminded of the pivotal role that innovation, collaboration, and responsible practices play in driving our sector forward.
In his welcome address, the MinDiver Project Coordinator, Engr. Sallim Salaam posited that the gemstone and jewelry show is a celebration of artistry, stressing, the young graduates will go back to their respective states to train more people with the support of your State Governments.
