The Federal Government has announced plans to establish jewellery training centers nationwide, aimed at harnessing the potential of the gemstones industry for youth employment.
This initiative was unveiled by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, during the National Gemstone and Jewellery exhibition organized by the World Bank-assisted Mineral Sector for Economic Diversification (MinDiver) in collaboration with the ministry.
Addressing graduates of the Masters Jewellery Making Project, Alake emphasized that jewellery making adds significant value to the mining industry. He also revealed plans to establish a promotional body for the industry and identify key enablers to demonstrate the government’s commitment to building a world-class jewellery and gemstones industry.
The Minister commended the management of the ministry and MinDiver officials for investing in the development of the gemstone value-chain and expanding the frontiers of knowledge in Nigeria’s jewellery making industry. He emphasized that the plans would enable the country to maximize opportunities in the market, projected to grow from USD 199 billion to USD 255 billion by 2025.
“The development of Nigeria’s gems and jewellery industry is expected to have a significant impact on the economy, creating jobs and reducing poverty. When fully harnessed, the industry can contribute substantially to the local economy by generating wealth and creating export opportunities,” Alake asserted.
Project Coordinator of MinDiver, Engr. Salim Salaam, highlighted the exquisite craftsmanship of the jewellery on display, showcasing the graduates’ skills and contributing to the development of the mining industry. “Our gemstones and jewellery can rival the best globally, thanks to the value addition policy championed by the minister,” Engr. Salam added.
The event culminated in the presentation of certificates and starter packs to graduates of Laurel School of Mining, a training school partnering with the ministry for jewellery making. The Minister also took a tour of the exhibition stands, praising the ingenuity of the graduates and assuring them of the federal government’s support for the expansion of their businesses.
The World Bank-assisted project graduated 25 Masters Trainees and certified 37 Advanced Trainees of the Batch 3 Masters Jewellery making project.”
