Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday disclosed that the state government would earn $250 million annually from the newly unveiled Oluremi Tinubu Industrial Leather Hub in Matori, in the Mushin area of the state.
The governor disclosed this during the commissioning of the Lagos State Industrial Leather Hub, renamed Oluremi Tinubu Industrial Leather Hub, emphasising that the project would provide export earnings in excess of $250 million, an equivalent of N387.5 billion, annually when fully operational.
This is as 1,000 women in Lagos State benefitted from Oluremi Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative Empowerment Programme, themed, “Empowering Women For Self-Reliance and SDGs Acceleration.”
On the leather hub, Governor Sanwo-Olu said, “From today, hides and skins that once left our shores unprocessed will be transformed here in Lagos into world-class footwear, garments, and accessories proudly stamped “Made in Lagos, Made in Nigeria.
“We will be creating over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs in the first three years, with 70 percent of them reserved for women and youth. More than 150,000 artisans will benefit from cutting-edge training and start-up support, ensuring no talent is left behind.
“Export earnings in excess of $250 million are projected annually when the hub is fully operational, positioning Lagos as the leather logistics capital of West Africa.
“But beyond the numbers lies a deeper promise, the promise that a young girl from a modest background can now dream bigger, knowing that the tools, the mentorship, and the market are within her reach,” Sanwo-Olu added.
In her address at the unveiling of the Leather Hub, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu who is on an official visit to Lagos State, said the ultra-modern facility represents another milestone in the drive to empower artisans, strengthen the nation’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and promote local manufacturing.
She applauded the Lagos State governor for this bold and progressive initiative, saying, “By investing in this Hub, the Lagos State Government has once again demonstrated its commitment to job creation, productivity and sustainable economic development. I say well done.
“Indeed, Lagos has always been a trailblazer, and this project further reinforces the State’s reputation as the heartbeat of innovation and enterprise in Nigeria.
“This project is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to accelerate diversification through industrialization, digitization, creative arts, manufacturing and innovation in order to create a dynamic and diverse economic landscape.
“Leather work is a traditional craft that has stood the test of time. I am informed that this hub will serve as a centre for leather processing, footwear production, and specialised training, enabling artisans to add greater value to their craft and compete confidently in both local and international markets.”
She urged the beneficiaries – artisans, entrepreneurs and youths – to take full advantage of the opportunities it offers.
Oluremi Tinubu, who also presented empowerment tools to women in Lagos State, said it would enable them to contribute to the development of the state, country as well as become self-reliant.
