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The Director-General of Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Nnanyelugo Martins Ike-Muonso has emphasized the crucial role of STI in driving Nigeria’s Economic Growth. He called on Nigerians to embrace a knowledge-based economy in Science, Technology, and Innovation. Adding that, it will help create jobs and wealth and alleviate extreme poverty in the country.
The DG stated this during a two-day maiden conference on Kenaf, Jute, and allied crops. The International Conference with the theme: Economic Diversification: Unveiling The Potentials Of Kenaf, Jute And Allied Crops, was organized by the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, (IAR&T), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ibadan, Oyo State recently.
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Prof. Ike-Muonso, who was represented by the head Lagos State Directorate, Mr. Oluwasola Marinho, said the theme of the program is apt, as research shows that Kenaf is a multipurpose crop with numerous utilization potentials and has been identified as a crop that can be used to reposition the economy of our dear nation.
“Kenaf Hibiscus cannabinus is a plant in the family Malvaceae also called Deccan hemp and Java jute. Hibiscus cannabinus according to study, is in the genus Hibiscus and is native to Africa, though its exact origin is unknown. The crop fibers have been identified as promising fiber sources in the paper, building, automobile, pharmaceutical, and numerous foods and feed industries.”, he said.
He pointed out many advantages of the fiber, including cheaper availability, light weight, biodegradability, renewability, high specific mechanical properties, and its resistance to insect damage, thus requiring less pesticide use.
He added that Kenaf leaves can be used as freshly or dried leaves for tea, treating blood, bilious, coughs, diabetes, throat problems, and lowering blood pressure. Kenaf leave extract can also be used in cosmetics as a lotion for skin anti-aging, dryness, pigmentation, whitening, and hair maintenance to avoid damage.
He then lauded all the participants for their dedication to the clarion call in working out modalities and ways of developing Kenaf and its allied crops. Adding that, participants should take the opportunity and engage themselves in meaningful discussions with the view of sharing knowledge and experiences that can foster the sustainable development of kenaf, jute, and its allied crops.
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While giving his keynote address, a former Director Dr. Usman Hassan Argungu who was represented by Prof. O. N. Adeniyan advocated the imperativeness in exploring new avenues for economic growth and stability. He observed that one of such avenues lies in the untapped potentials of kenaf and its allied crops.
He said the economic gratification potential of kenaf, jute, and allied crops lies not only in their direct application but also in the opportunity to create value addition.
Highlighting the significance of the conference in her welcome speech, the Executive Director of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Prof. Veronica Obatolu, said that the theme of the conference was informed due to necessity and high demand of Kenaf by the industrial sector.
