By Emmanuel Otoikhila
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) joined the University community and other stakeholders in celebrating the remarkable academic career and retirement of one of the University of Benin’s best, Professor Osayande Charles Eregie, at his Legacy, Exit Seminar and Valedictory Lecture, held in recognition of his outstanding contributions to academia, research, and national development.
The event brought together eminent academics, researchers, government officials, professional colleagues, students, family members, and well-wishers to formally honour Professor Eregie’s decades of excellence in teaching, mentorship, research, and service to humanity.
Representing the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of RMRDC, Professor Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, the Edo State Coordinator of the Council, Engr. Otoikhila .O Emmanuel, delivered the Council’s goodwill message and congratulated the retired scholar on the successful completion of a distinguished academic career.
Engr. Emmanuel described the valedictory lecture as a fitting tribute to an accomplished academic whose enduring legacy has advanced knowledge, nurtured future generations of scholars, and contributed immensely to Nigeria’s educational and scientific development.
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He noted that Professor Eregie’s influence extends far beyond the classroom through his scholarly research, professional leadership, and mentorship, which will continue to inspire academics and professionals for years to come.
While commending the celebrant, Engr. Emmanuel highlighted the strategic achievements and ongoing initiatives of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council under the leadership of Professor Nnanyelugo Martin Ike-Muonso.
According to him, the Council has intensified efforts towards the sustainable development, utilization, and commercialization of Nigeria’s abundant raw material resources in line with the Federal Government’s industrialization and economic diversification agenda.
A major highlight of his presentation was the Council’s advocacy for the proposed 30 Percent Value Addition Policy, which seeks to ensure that all raw materials produced in Nigeria undergo a minimum of 30 percent local processing before export.
He explained that the policy would reverse the long-standing practice of exporting raw materials in their unprocessed form, stimulate local manufacturing, encourage investment in processing facilities, create employment opportunities, facilitate technology transfer, increase foreign exchange earnings, and improve the global competitiveness of Nigerian products.
“The policy is expected to reposition Nigeria from being merely an exporter of raw materials to becoming a producer and exporter of value-added products,” he stated.
Engr. Emmanuel further disclosed that the proposed legislation has been passed by both chambers of the National Assembly and is currently awaiting Presidential assent. He expressed optimism that the policy would soon become law, providing a robust legal framework for Nigeria’s industrial transformation.
He also announced that preparations are in top gear for the Second Edition of the Africa Raw Materials Summit, an initiative of RMRDC aimed at strengthening continental collaboration in the sustainable development and beneficiation of Africa’s raw materials.
According to him, the summit will bring together policymakers, researchers, manufacturers, industrialists, investors, development partners, and other stakeholders from across Africa to deliberate on value addition, industrialization, technology transfer, and the promotion of intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He emphasized that the summit reflects Nigeria’s commitment to leading Africa’s industrial transformation through policies that promote local processing, manufacturing, innovation, and sustainable resource utilization.
Engr. Emmanuel expressed confidence that the summit would strengthen strategic partnerships, attract investments, foster innovation, and generate practical solutions for unlocking Africa’s vast raw materials potential.
He concluded by wishing Professor Eregie good health, fulfillment, and continued success in retirement, while thanking him for his invaluable contributions to scholarship, national development, and the advancement of science and education.
The event featured goodwill messages from colleagues, professional associates, and friends, as well as reflections on Professor Eregie’s distinguished career and presentations celebrating his achievements and lasting impact on academia and society.
Participants also reflected on the importance of research, innovation, and value addition as critical drivers of Nigeria’s economic transformation.
The Legacy, Exit Seminar and Valedictory Lecture ended on a celebratory note, with participants applauding Professor Eregie’s exceptional career and acknowledging his enduring contributions to the academic community and national development.
