By Lukman Olabiyi and Vera Wisdom-Bassey
Lagos State is set to generate over N387.5 billion annually in export revenue from the newly commissioned Oluremi Tinubu Industrial Leather Hub in Matori, Mushin, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced yesterday.
Speaking at the official unveiling of the hub named after the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu emphasized the facility’s transformative economic potential, stating that it is projected to attract $250 million (USD) in annual export earnings when fully operational.
The governor described the hub as a critical component in positioning Lagos as West Africa’s leather logistics capital.
“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,’” Sanwo-Olu said.
The project, according to him, is expected to create over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs within the first three years, with 70% of the roles reserved for women and youth. Additionally, more than 150,000 artisans are set to benefit from advanced training and start-up support programs.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in her remarks at the event, commended the Lagos State Government for investing in industrialization, job creation, and economic empowerment.
“This ultra-modern facility represents another milestone in the drive to empower artisans, strengthen MSMEs, and promote local manufacturing,” she said.
The First Lady described the leather hub as a key part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at accelerating economic diversification through industrialization, digitization, creative arts, and innovation.
“Leather work is a traditional craft that has stood the test of time. This hub will serve as a centre for leather processing, footwear production, and specialized training, enabling artisans to compete confidently in both local and international markets,” she said.
Senator Tinubu urged artisans, entrepreneurs, and especially women to seize the opportunity provided by the facility, stressing the importance of self-reliance and excellence.
Similarly, as part of the First Lady’s visit to Lagos, 1,000 women across the state received business equipment through the Renewed Hope Initiative Empowerment Programme, themed: “Empowering Women for Self-Reliance and SDGs Acceleration.”
The empowerment programme, launched at the State House, Alausa, Ikeja, saw beneficiaries receive tools such as deep freezers, gas cookers with ovens, generators, and industrial grinding machines.
The initiative also extended to other Southwest states including Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo.
“By providing these empowerment tools, we are not just giving handouts, we are planting seeds of enterprise, self-reliance, and long-term prosperity,” Senator Tinubu stated.
She stressed the alignment of the programme with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and urged beneficiaries to use the items to build sustainable businesses.
