By Gena Lubem
A team from the World Bank working on improving the mining sector in Nigeria has paid a visit to the Gemological Institute of Nigeria (GIN).
The team comprising of Mr. Linus Adie, Mr. John and Ms. Noora Arfaa were received by the GIN board Chairman, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, CON., SAN, and the President of GIN and National Coordinator of Gemstones Miners and Marketers Association of Nigeria (GMMAN), Prof. Adesoji Adesugba.
In an interaction, Mr. Adie emphasised the importance of the collaboration with GIN stating that, passion, commitment, foresight and focus of the organisation attracted the Mindiver project of the World Bank in working with the Private Sector Organisation.
He also reiterated the commitment of his team in working with the Institute, describing it as a rare initiative by the private sector which deserves all the support.
Ms. Noora Arfaa reiterated the importance of the work GIN was doing and was impressed that the Institute was started to add value to the sector. She said she liked what she has seen and that the World Bank was always interested in sustainability in projects that they handle especially those that have positive effects to the development of countries.
In his address Prince Kayode said the Institute was established as a pioneer effort in gemstone cerification, training, Jewellery making, capacity development for miners, and enhancing the attributes of the Gemstones value chain, and promoting other sectoral related activities.
He appreciated the world Bank team for finding GIN worthy for collaboration and expressed commitment towards achieving the noble objectives of the partnership.
Also speaking, Prof. Adesugba said since the establishment of the Institute, it has embarked on activities which have added value to the Nigerian gemstone sector.
Adesugba said African Jewellery Exhibition and Seminar (AGJES), an initiative of GIN and its partners, has now become an annual international event that showcases the best in Nigerian Jewellery business.
The team also inspected facilities of the Institute.
With them was the Director of ACCI Business Entrepreneurial Skills and Technology (BEST) Centre, Victoria Akai and its Head of Programmes, Tinuke Temitope.
