I am indeed very happy today to welcome you all to this auspicious occasion of the official Commissioning and Handing over of the established Modern Integrated Cassava Processing Plant in the Ancient City of Uke, Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State. This development is a clear indication of our commitment towards ensuring the utilization of our R&D products for improved quality of lives of the citizenry and as well demonstrates the fact that Technology rules every sphere of advancement worldwide.
- Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, invited Guests, let me specially welcome the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, whose untiring efforts and support made this dream a reality. Also, may I at this point welcome our Royal Father, His Royal Highness, Dr. Ahmed Abdullahi Hassan (Koba), Yankanaije Uke, his Council of Chiefs and other Elders of this great Community.
- I would like to express our profound gratitude to the Royal father for his fatherly reception, love and acceptance that have resulted to the establishment of this rare innovation and technology in his community. Indeed this will usher the community into unprecedented economic advancement through its appropriate utilization. Let me also welcome the Directors from the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Management and Staff of FIIRO, our respected and resilient indigenous farmers and all the distinguished invited Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press.
- It is important to inform you that we are vigorously pursuing our vision and mission statements which are “to be the foremost Centre for Science and Technology-based Research and Development for the industrialization and socioeconomic advancement of the nation and conduct and promote market-driven research and development (R&D) for the industrialization and socio-economic development of the country”, respectively, It is noteworthy of mention that we have developed over two hundred and fifty 250 products, goods and services through the efforts of the dedicated and diligent Staff of the Institute.
- The Modern Integrated Cassava Processing Plant to be commissioned and handed over to the Uke Community today is one of the R&D products, goods and services of the Institute initiated to empower the local farmers in the food value-chain for improved economic activities. This technology was developed with locally available raw materials of relative advantage as a drive towards the commercialization of our R and D products, goods and services that will enhance economic productivity for job creation and wealth generation. The plant was conceived with the idea of enhancing farmers’ capacity and also promotes trade and peaceful coexistence in the society. Every country that flourishes today technologically has identified its assets and drive value through constant and market driven innovative research, which we cannot be exempted as a nation.
- It is important to note that this project will collectively among other things, build a seamless organization that is people centered and technology driven, motivate farmers and the work force towards self-development and reliance, career growth, job satisfaction, service delivery and also address the challenges of post-harvest losses and wastages of cassava products in Uke Community and Nasarawa State at large. The products from this technology are enormous. The broad objectives of the Modern Integrated Cassava Processing Plant are to: (i.) Generate revenue and create wealth through the engagements of over twenty farmers daily; (ii.)Develop rural community using the cassava value chain with all the Stakeholders including processors, marketers, farmers, transporters and (iiii.) Create Jobs through effective marketing services of Plant as it has the potentials to create over 1000 jobs, and this is in line with Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
- Our Guests, we want to reiterate that the Agency is desirous of making the cassava value-chain most sort after and therefore has developed this technology in some selected communities across the country. At this juncture, you may wish to note that similar technology was commissioned and handed over to the IgbaraOke Community of Ondo State on 18th November, 2023 and plans have been concluded to commission and handover some of the completed plants at different parts of the country to their respective beneficiaries.
- Ladies and Gentlemen, it is pertinent to state that what we are witnessing today is a result of the dedication, support and commitment of the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology towards capacity development as well as repositioning the Innovation, Science and Technology sector as one of the critical components that will transform the nation’s economy from consumption to production geared towards economic advancement and sustainable growth. It is important to note that the narrative of todays event will not be complete without mentioning our public spirited, benevolent, humanitarian and patrotic personality the former Honourable Minister of Environment, Barr. Mohammed Hassan Abdullahi who facilitated the establishment of this worldclass technology based on his passion and commitment towards rural development, as a grass root mobilizer.
- Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, the Permanent Secretary of the of Innovation, Science and Technology, Esuabana Nko Asanya, my unstoppable team from FIIRO, we are here to drive value into Nigerian assets; the fertile land of Uke with the determination to take the fore front of industrialization, productivity, food security and national development.
- In conclusion, I wish to once again thank our Royal Father, His Royal Highness, Dr. Ahmed Abdullahi Hassan (Koba), Yankanaije Uke for gracing this occasion with his Council of Chiefs, the good people of Uke Community, distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen of the press.