Mrs Osinbajo to Speak at 2017 African Gems and Jewellery Exhibition

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

Wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, will deliver the keynote address at this year’s African Gems and Jewelry Exhibition and Seminar that will take place in Abuja between October 19 and 20.

The programme, as disclosed by the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, is to further drive investment opportunities in the gemstones business.

A statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, yesterday in Abuja, stated that the Ministry is in collaboration with stakeholders in the mining sector which include Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN); Women In Mining (WIM); Gemologists and Jewelers Association of Nigeria (GJAN); International Coloured Gemstones Association (ICA); Gemstones Miners and Marketers Association of Nigeria (GMMAH); Faceters Guild of Nigeria (FGN); and Beaded Jewelry Designers of Nigeria (BJDAN).

According to the ministry, “Mrs. Osinbajo would deliver the keynote address at the event, with the theme: ‘Mines to Market’.

The statement said: The two-day event is expected to bring together mining operators, policy makers, gemstones dealers from within and outside the country; artisans, manufacturers of jewelry equipment and financial institutions to discuss and exhibit current global trends in the gemstones business.
“Exhibitors from other African countries are expected to join their Nigerian counterparts in showcasing current trends in gemstones business, equipment and technology.”

“Nigeria is endowed with abundant mineral resources and among the varieties of gemstones are sapphire, aquamarine, beryl, emerald, tourmaline, phenakite ruby, garnet, topaz, amethyst, moonstone, onyx, opal, citrine and zircon found across the six geo-political zones of the country.”

It further stressed that highlights of the event which would take place at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja would be to train people on modern trends in gemstones cutting, polishing, marketing and pricing, as well as fashion display and sales..

It said: “The exhibition will provide ample opportunity to showcase Africa’s mineral wealth and encourage mining rich communities to embrace mining as an economic activity that has immense potential to transform not only the socio-economic well-being of the people, but also contribute to the national economic growth.”