Cottage Industry: Ilota women assure of 2 tonnes of Shea butter weekly

Women in Ilota, Ilorin South Local Government Area of Kwara State, North-Central Nigeria, have declared that they possess the capacity to produce at least two tonnes of shea butter in a week.

The women made this known during an interactive session with the Senior Special Assistant to the State Governor on Community Intervention, Kayode Oyin-Zubair.

“We appreciate the foresightedness of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to upscale local trade and vocation, particularly those of comparative advantage. 

“Ilota women do not know how to do anything other than Ori (shea butter), which is what our mothers have been doing from time immemorial.

“Some of us benefitted from the last micro grants disbursed through the Kwara State Government by Aliko Dangote Foundation. However, we still solicit for more government support so as to enable us upgrade our businesses.

“We also want you to get us off-takers to meet their demands. We have never let anyone down in the past on our capacity to deliver on any tonnage,” said Mrs Shukurat Sheriff, spokesperson for the women.

Responding to their demands and aspirations, the Governor’s aide, Kayode Oyin-Zubair, reiterated the determination of the government to bring development to all parts of the State through Community-Driven Rural Development (CDRD).

“It is the desire of Governor AbdulRazaq that all parts of the State witness development, leaving no place behind. 

“We have off-takers locally and abroad that are interested in what you do and they are willing to buy your products. We are working on a sustainable business model that will keep you in business, while making better deals,”  Oyin-Zubair added.

According to him, the government has established relationships here and there that can add value to what they are doing.

“The business acumen of the Governor is really helping us because he is more interested in lifting more people out of poverty through investments like this,” he added.

While at the palace of Olota of Ilota, Alhaji Momonu Olarewaju, the traditional ruler, commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for bringing up pro-poor programmes and  pledged the support of his people for the government at all times.

Amaka E. Nliam