By Okporie Chima
In an effort to enhance awareness and capacity in research and development, the Ebonyi State Office of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has initiated a strategic partnership with First Patriot Ltd, a leading mining and raw materials processing company in Nigeria.
The visit, which took place on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, saw the RMRDC delegation led by Chief Administrative Officer, Mrs. Nwagu Philomina Ngozi, welcomed by the Programme Manager of First Patriot Ltd, Engr. Satyanarayana Pennaru, at the company’s conference hall.
In her remarks, Mrs. Nwagu provided a detailed overview of the Council’s mandate as an agency under the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. She explained that RMRDC is responsible for developing policy guidelines and action programmes on raw materials acquisition, development, and utilization across the country. The Council also supports the adaptation of appropriate machinery and processes to promote the local sourcing of industrial raw materials, while also disseminating relevant research findings to stakeholders.
She emphasized the Council’s commitment to engaging with industry players and research institutions across the states to tap into Nigeria’s vast natural resources for industrial growth. “It is imperative to establish strong, collaborative relationships with institutional stakeholders like First Patriot Ltd, to help drive economic development in the State and deliver benefits to investors, researchers, industrialists, and the wider public,” she stated. Mrs. Nwagu also introduced the Council’s official website as a hub for additional resources and information about its programmes and activities.
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In his response, Engr. Pennaru expressed gratitude to the RMRDC team for the visit, noting that the Council’s website had already been instrumental in providing valuable insights into its operations. He described First Patriot Ltd as the only licensed company in Ebonyi State permitted to mine metals such as zinc and lead. The firm’s shareholders, he revealed, are drawn from the United Kingdom, South Africa, China, and India.
Highlighting the company’s achievements, Engr. Pennaru said First Patriot Ltd operates the largest raw materials processing plant in Nigeria and West Africa, backed by advanced technical expertise and a mineral testing and analysis laboratory that ensures near-total utilization of raw inputs. “We are committed to best practices, including environmental recovery after mining,” he added, expressing concern over the inefficiencies and material waste caused by artisanal miners due to a lack of technical knowledge.
He further outlined the company’s investment in research and development, training programmes for machine operators, and its readiness to collaborate with RMRDC on staff development initiatives. “We are open to organizing workshops, symposia, and seminars to raise public awareness on raw materials development,” he assured.
