By Okporie Chima
In a move to deepen industrial development and harness raw material potential in Ebonyi State, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Ebonyi State Coordinating Office, paid a strategic visit to the State Ministry of Commerce and Industry at Centenary City, Abakaliki.
The delegation, led by the State Coordinator of RMRDC, Mrs. Agbafor Nnenna, was warmly received by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. (Mrs.) Mojibade Ekuma, at the office of the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Chief Ogoruzor Offia Nwali.
Mrs. Agbafor lauded the efforts of the Commissioner, particularly his commitment to actualizing the “People’s Charter of Needs” policy of the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Bldr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru. She noted that the visit was aimed at exploring areas of mutual collaboration to unlock the state’s raw materials potential and promote sustainable industrial development.
Speaking on the Council’s mandate, she emphasized RMRDC’s role in promoting the development and optimal utilization of Nigeria’s raw materials to drive industrial growth. According to her, the Council’s work includes facilitating the creation of new resource-based industries, generating employment opportunities, and contributing to national GDP.
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In his response, Commissioner Offia Nwali expressed gratitude for the visit and underscored the vast but largely untapped agro and mineral resources in Ebonyi State. He reiterated the State Government’s readiness to attract investors to explore these resources for industrialization, emphasizing the administration’s commitment under Governor Nwifuru’s leadership.
The Commissioner identified key areas for possible collaboration, including partnerships with Ebonyi Building Materials, the Ebonyi Pipe Industry for raw materials sourcing, and trade promotion initiatives. He also revealed plans for the proposed establishment of Ebonyi Cable, citing the availability of raw materials necessary for cable production within the state.
Chief Nwali further assured the RMRDC delegation that any proposal brought forward by the Council would be relayed to the Governor for prompt consideration and approval.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ekuma, commended RMRDC’s initiatives and highlighted the Council’s potential to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly in the preservation and processing of agro-based raw materials to meet market demand.
Also speaking at the event, Chief Administrative Officer at RMRDC, Mrs. Nwagu Philomina, thanked the Commissioner and the Ministry staff for their ongoing support. She reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to strengthening its collaboration with the Ministry for the benefit of the state’s industrial sector.
