By Emmanuel Otoikhila
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Edo State Coordinating Office has urged members of the Organized Private Sector (OPS) in Edo State to embrace value addition to raw materials as a strategic step toward boosting national productivity and accelerating industrial growth. This call was made during the 2025 OPS Award Day Celebration, held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Benin City.
The event, which brought together key stakeholders in the industrial and commercial sectors, emphasized the critical role value addition plays in economic development and job creation. Representing the Executive Governor of Edo State was Mr. Omobude Oyedoh, Director of Small and Medium Enterprises at the Ministry of Business, Trade and Cooperative.
Leading the RMRDC team was the Acting State Coordinator, Mr. Otoikhila Emmanuel, in his goodwill message, emphasized that RMRDC serves as a catalyst for Nigeria’s industrialization and called on the OPS to collaborate with the Council in driving value addition across various sectors.
He particularly encouraged private sector players to partner with local farmers in enhancing the value chain of agricultural products. “When we export raw materials without value addition, we are essentially exporting job opportunities to other countries,” he said. “Our mandate requires that at least 30% value addition must be done before any export activity.”
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Mr. Emmanuel also took the opportunity to invite stakeholders to the upcoming Africa Raw Materials Summit, scheduled to take place from May 20 to 22, 2025. He noted that the summit will offer participants access to international markets, potential business partnerships, and global exposure for locally produced goods.
The was graced by many dignitaries including Venerable Professor Ifuero Osanmwonyi, who served as guest speaker; Hon. (Barr.) Austin Atakpu, President of the Benin Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BENCCIMA); Engr. Godwin Eki Omoregie, Chairman of Edo State OPS; Mr. Ehizogie Osadolor, Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Edo/Delta branch; Pastor A.O. Balogun, President of Edo State Shippers Association; and Mr. Noma Iguisi, Chairman of the Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI).and many others.
The event concluded with an awards presentation, where Mr. Emmanuel was honoured to present an award to Gladtrico International Limited, recognizing the company’s contributions to the industrial development of Edo State.
The 2025 OPS Award Day Celebration not only highlighted the importance of collaboration between government agencies and the private sector but also underscored the urgent need to prioritize local content development and value creation in Nigeria’s industrial ecosystem.
