Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has made a case for Nigeria to add value to her rich raw materials scattered across the States to develop the Nation’s economy.
Governor Otti made the call when he received in audience a delegation of the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike – Muonso. He said that Abia, just like some States of the country is rich in cassava, cashew, cocoa , rubber and other cash crops, hence, the need to process and utilize them.
“We need to begin to add value to every product, be it agricultural or mineral.
“So, I don’t think we have done so much with the mineral potentials. it requires intentional and deliberate actions.
The Governor underscored the critical role of the Council in national development, particularly in advancing manufacturing, small and medium-scale industries, and other key sectors. He expressed optimism that Nigeria could build a thriving economy driven by agriculture, just as the late Premier of the Eastern Region, Dr. Michael Okpara did without reliance on oil.
He expressed his administration’s willingness to partner with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) towards developing the State’s abundant raw materials and agricultural resources.
“The existence of the Council is so important for the development of the country, especially in manufacturing and small scale industries.
“We believe we can run the economy. Our government is more than willing to partner with you and support you to succeed in your mandate,” Gov. Otti stated.
Governor Otti who highlighted Abia’s rich endowment in agricultural and mineral deposits, pledged his administration’s willingness to fully support the RMRDC. He assured the delegation that his Government would allocate a suitable land for the Council to build a befitting operational office in Abia State.
Earlier, the Director-General and CEO, Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso while commending Governor Alex Otti for his visionary and transformative leadership added that the Governor’s remarkable strides stand as irrefutable evidence of a leader imbued with competence, integrity and unyielding passion for the development of the State. He commended the Governor for being the first State Chief Executive in the entire Federation to grant his team access and audience for such strategic engagement.
Professor Nnanyelugo noted that the visit was in furtherance of the Council’s statutory mandate to drive industrialization through sustainable development and utilization of Nigeria’s vast raw material resources, adding that Abia with its rich agricultural and industrial base stands as a strategic partner towards unlocking Nigeria’s natural endowments for economic diversification, value addition and job creation.
He used the forum to invite the Governor to participate in the maiden edition of the Africa Raw Materials Summit taking place at Abuja Continental Hotel from 20th May to 22nd May 2025, revealing that the summit which has so far confirmed participants from across 72-countries, aims at deepening Africa’s raw material markets, sharing knowledge on processing technologies and strengthening value chains.
The Governor was joined in the discussion by Honourable Commissioners and other senior Government appointees.
Ctz. UKOHA NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
07 – 03 – 2025.
