ABUJA, 20 November 2013 – The United Nations Industrial Development Organization has been awarded for its efforts in supporting the Nigerian Government to reduce poverty through productive activities and contributing to sustainable industrialization.
The award was presented to the organization through the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, as part of the activities to mark Africa Industrialization Day. This year, the theme is “Job creation and entrepreneurship development: a means to accelerate industrial development”.
UNIDO’s recent activities in the country included support for the “Job for life” programme that has created some 24, 000 jobs, helped establish over 1500 entrepreneurs and 159 new enterprises. In addition, UNIDO has supported businesses and residents in the rural communities by generating electricity through small hydro power plants.
Other Africa Industrialization Day events included a symbolic 3 kilometre “Industrialization” walk to celebrate Africa’s industrial future and express discomfort towards the present happenings in its industrial sector. The walk was championed by the Nigerian Labour Union, the Organised Private Sector, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and supported by UNIDO.
The African Industrialisation Day event also showcased “Made in Nigeria” products, from customized bags made with African fabrics to packaged petroleum products.
