By Chukwuma Ngaha, Adaora Adibe
The Governor of Abia State, his Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, has emphasized the importance of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) to Nigeria’s economic growth and industrialization. He made this statement when the Director-General of RMRDC Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso paid him a courtesy visit at Nvosi Isialangwa South LGA Abia State.
During the visit, Governor Otti pledged his administration’s commitment to collaborating with RMRDC to harness the state’s abundant natural resources. He acknowledged that Abia is blessed with abundant raw materials and stressed the need for intentional and deliberate efforts to maximize their economic potential.
“For our country to develop, we must begin to add value to every product, whether agricultural or mineral resources, that originates from here”, Governor Otti stated.
In response to RMRDC’s request for a land to set up a model office in the state, amongst other things , Governor Otti pledged the allocation of a piece of land for the construction of a standard state coordinating office block. He also assured the Council that his government would visit all other proposals for support and partnership as presented by the Council to strengthen research, development, and industrialization in Abia State.
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The governor’s commitment to working with RMRDC aligns with his vision for sustainable economic growth and job creation in Abia State. The collaboration is expected to enhance local production, attract investments, and boost the agricultural and manufacturing sectors.
Earlier the DG RMRDC Prof. Ike-Muonso emphasized on the many areas the Council has partnered to boost Abia State economically. They include:
- The donation of Cashew Nutshell Liquid (CNSL) processing equipment to Abia State University, Uturu, fostering research, development, and commercial exploitation of cashew-derived products, establishment of a demonstration apiary at the Abia
- Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), training over 100 farmers in modern beekeeping and honey production, agricultural support through the provision of improved cashew nut and walnut seedlings to farmers, aimed at boosting production and industrial utilization.
- Regular industry visits to identify challenges and link businesses with raw materials suppliers.
- The establishment of a Raw Materials Resource Centre (Display Centre), a reference hub for investors showcasing primary and secondary raw materials available in Abia and Nigeria at large, and many others.
Prof. Nnanyelugo noted that given the new vistas of industrial opportunities emerging in the state under governor Otti’s transformational leadership, the Council seek to consolidate and expand more collaborations. “Your Excellency, Abia State is richly endowed with an array of agricultural and mineral raw materials. Key among these are oil palm, cassava, and cocoyam etc., which hold immense potential for value addition and industrial exploitation. To harness these resources optimally”, the DG stated.
The DG Prof. Nnanyelugo visited the governor alongside management staff of the Council, Director, Planning Statistics and Policy Department, Mrs. Rachael Kotso; Director, Directorate of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Chukwuma Ngaha; Director, Agriculture & Agro allied Raw Materials Department, Dr. Seb Ebierekwe ; Overseeing Director, State Industrial Extension Services Department, Dr. Edith C. Obi; Director, Investment Promotions and consultancy Services Department , Mr. Lawal Suraj ; Deputy Director, Pilot Plant & Process Equipment Division, Engr. Sirajo Musa and others.
