Foremost Industrialist and chairman of Eleganza Group of Companies, Chief Rasaq Akanni Okoya, on Thursday, November 9, reiterated his call for the creation of new industrial zones in 36 states where small scale industries can spring up.

Okoya, Aare of Lagos, suggested that the small scale industries should have residential accommodation for workers, adding that the strategy will stem rural-urban migration and reduce congestion in cities.

He said: “The picture on my mind places all 36 statess and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as industrial hubs, varying in speciality where average Nigerian citizen should be able to live, work, shop, have access to healthcare and other conveniences like recreational, worship facilities, all without leaving their state of origin, within their industrial hubs.”

Okoya spoke with reporters at the Lagos International Trade Fair at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan.

He called for what he described as “industrial training schools” to offer skill acquisition training in carpentry, bricklaying, sewing, mechanical work, wood work, pharmaceuticals, and electrical works.

Nigeria’s foremost indigenous company and leader in the manufacrturing sub-sector, with its highly sought-after products, is a cynosure of eyes at the fair.

At the captivating pavilion is the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the company, Dr. Shade Okoya, and other top management staff.

Chief Okoya said Nigeria should inculcate in youths the culture of dignity of labour through their enlistment into the industrial hubs domiciled in rural communities.

With him were President of the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole; Vice President LCCI, Prince Abimbola Olashore, and his wife, Dr. Shade Okoya

Eleganza brought on stand in and outside of the pavilion about 200 products for pick by customers, including plastic furniture specifically named ‘Oba chair” that is though plastic, but elegant in sight and touch; household equipment and materials such as coolers, Purex dush and washing liquid

Okoya said job creation is a critical element of youth development, stressing that the younger generation can be fully engaged if they have the opportunities.

He said: “We need to instil a sense of pride and dignity through respectable labour in our youth. The creation of varied and sustainable industrial cities will be pivotal in the national stimulation of progress.”

Okoya said new industrial zones will decrease the need for our youths to move from state to state and especially reduce the need for them to migrate to the city.

He added: “This programme will ease congestion in urban areas, especially in Lagos and ensure that the whole of Nigeria becomes a commercial hub and large scale commercial activities are not solely limited to Lagos.”

Olawale-Cole commended Eleganza Industrial City for its contributions to the economy.

Dr. Shade Okoya, who has turned the company around since the leadership mantle fell on her, has exhibited business talents, endowments and acumen that have fostered quality performance in the market.

She set a record in the company by producing over 300,000 cartons of flagship product in a month while consistently achieving over 100 percent of monthly production target for over five years.

Under her leadership, there was reduction in the production waste level and losses from over 2.5 per cent to less than 0.5% without compromising quality standards and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Also, there has been reduction in overall factory running costs and plant maintenance expenses by over 45% while maintaining high efficiency through strategic optimization.

Customers who spoke about Eleganza exploits, praised the company for its quality, standard and consistency. Mrs Okeke Anurika Marbel, whose company, Toojah Investment, is a distributor of Eleganza’s plastic chairs of all types, and Salawat Okoya, whose company, G-Okoya Ventures, is distributor of Eleganza’s coolers, said the products have no rivals.

Marbel said it is gratifying that my business is savouring huge benefits, adding: “Eleganza that has remained at the top of its game for more than 50 years deserves accolade.” (The Nation)

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