By Lukman Olabiyi

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said that the construction of Lagos Leather Hub, was in fulfillment of his campaign promise to empower the youths.

Sanwo-Olu said when project is completed, it would train about 100 students in the leather works value chain, when production takes off in December.

The governor stated this yesterday when he visited the leather hub in Matori Industrial Estate, Mushin.

According to Sanwo-Olu, the project is about 65 per cent ready and the contractor has promised to complete work in December.

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Sanwo-Olu noted that the project was conceived about one and half years ago to bridge the gap in tannery/leather value chain. He noted that the leather/tannery raw material market in the north will now have a ready market which will process the raw materials into finished products. Sanwo-Olu reiterated that the leather hub will start and end the tannery/rubber/leather value chain.

The project building also comprises about 32 lock-up shops to encourage buying and selling of leather products, while the hub will also partner with other leather markets in production.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also visited the GAC Motors vehicle assembly plant on Wempco Road, Ogba, where he expressed satisfaction with the progress level.

He noted that equipment has started arriving and it is expected that the line will be able to produce about 5,000 vehicles in the first instance, and later 10,000 vehicles. According to him, the assembly plant is also an avenue to develop local skills to develop the economy.

Chairman of GAC Motors Daina Chen said the plan is to make GAC motors a household name in Nigeria, as well as the official vehicle for Lagos State. She was happy that the project is taking shape, adding that it will help to improve economic livelihood and provide jobs.