By Henrietta Ude
The Enugu State Office of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) successfully organized a one-day capacity building workshop on Processing and Value Addition to Cocoyam, on November 5, 2025 at the Federal Secretariat Complex Hall Independence Layout Enugu.
The workshop was aimed at equipping farmers, processors, and entrepreneurs with practical knowledge on cocoyam utilization and value addition.
Giving her opening remarks, the Enugu State Coordinator, Engr. Henrietta Ude, welcomed everyone, stating the goal of the training as being to reduce waste, increase productivity and open up new business opportunities within the state. She went further to urge the participants to take advantage of the workshop to learn simple and practical ways of processing cocoyam into different value-added products.
The workshop featured four insightful presentations by experts from key institutions.
Dr. Onyekachi John Ikegwu of the Nigerian Council of Food Science and Technology (NiCOST), Abuja. delivered the lead paper on “Processing and Value Addition to Cocoyam: Techniques, Products, and Opportunities for Small-Scale Entrepreneurs.” His presentation covered indigenous uses of cocoyam, nutritional and anti-nutritional factors, processing techniques, industrial potential, and emerging trends. Mrs. Lizzy Bright from the Technology Incubation Centre (TIC), Enugu, presented a practical session on packaging, including a live demonstration of cocoyam processing and packaging using raw samples. Mr. Tajudeen from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) spoke on “Non-Oil Export Promotion Opportunities in Local Foods/Agro Products in Nigeria,” while Engr. Dr. Nneka Nwagugu of PRODA, Enugu, presented a paper on “Agro-Processing Machines: A Sure Way to Farming Efficiency,” highlighting available cocoyam processing machines and partnership opportunities with PRODA for equipment fabrication.
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The event was graced by Mrs. Asogwa, representing the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, and Mr. Kenneth Eze, President of the Young Farmers Association.
With about 55 participants in attendance, the workshop provided a platform for learning, interaction, and networking with resource persons. Participants expressed satisfaction as their concerns on processing, preservation, packaging, and export opportunities were addressed comprehensively.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Uche Arinze Nwosu, Anambra State Coordinator of RMRDC, commended the organizers of the program, she also appreciated the facilitators for their expertise and also called for continuous partnership with the Council. Mrs, Angelina Onyenwe gave the vote of thanks, appreciating everyone who made the program a success.
