NIGERIA MUST SHIFT FROM MERE EXTRACTION TO VALUE ADDITION IN AGRICULTURAL & MINERAL RESOURCES SECTORS — OTTI TO RMRDC

REPORTER: PEACE AGBO

The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) of Nigeria says it has engaged stakeholders across various sectors to unlock the potential of natural endowments for economic diversification and job creation in the country.

The Director General of the council, Professor Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, stated this when he led a delegation from the Council to visit Governor Alex Otti of Abia State at Umuehim Nvosi in Isialangwa South LGA of the state.

The Director General noted that the visit was in continuation of the Council’s obligation to drive industrialization through sustainable development and utilization of Nigeria’s vast raw material resources.

Professor Ike-Muonso commended Governor Alex Otti for his visionary, reformatory and transformative leadership in the state, stressing that his economic policies, infrastructural renewal initiatives and reforms had brought relief and renewed hope to the industrious people of the State.

Responding Governor Otti pledged to partner the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, RMRDC, to actualize a shared vision of economic transformation in the state.

The Governor emphasized the critical role of the Council in national development, especially in advancing Manufacturing, Small and Medium-Scale Industries, and other key sectors.

He stressed the need for Nigeria to shift from mere extraction to value addition in both Agricultural and Mineral resources to foster sustainable growth.

The Governor expressed optimism that Nigeria could build a thriving economy driven by Agriculture, just as the late Premier of the Eastern Region, Dr. Micheal Okpara, achieved without reliance on oil. and

Governor Otti assured the delegation that Abia Government would allocate suitable land to facilitate the Council’s operations in the State.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU