In a bid to diversify the economy and increase the contribution of the solid minerals sector to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), Gerald Muoeboh, an expert in Lustregems and Minerals Jewelry hub, has devised a comprehensive strategy. Muoeboh made this assertion during a one-day workshop on practical Demonstration of Gemstone Faceting for Export, held in Keffi, Nassawa state.
The workshop, organized by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Nasarawa state Coordinating office Lafia, gathered local miners from across the state to brainstorm on ways to utilize gemstones as a means of survival. As the resource person at the event, Muoeboh, who is the general manager of Lustregems and Jewelry hub, emphasized that the minerals should be processed for value addition in line with the agenda of the Ministry of Solid Minerals.
Muoeboh highlighted that the gemstone market has been experiencing steady growth in recent years, with increasing demand for luxury goods, high-quality gemstones, and unique pieces of Jewelry. He urged the participants of the workshop to utilize the knowledge acquired to make a meaningful impact on society. These gemstones, particularly emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, have seen a rise in demand due to growing interest in colored gemstones and crystals.
Itodo Daniel, the head of product development of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, explained that the workshop aimed to find ways of adding value to the gemstone product. Despite an abundance of gemstones in Nasarawa state, local miners lack the ability to process them efficiently. Daniel called on the participants to disseminate their newly acquired knowledge to fellow miners in the state for the benefit of all.
One of the participants, Mr. Shedrack Emmanuel, expressed his appreciation for the training, which he believed would greatly impact their ability to process gemstones into useful products. He called for support from the government to ensure their success. The workshop featured practical demonstrations on how to process gemstones into useful products that can generate income.
ENND
