By Lawrence Njoku, Enugu
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has emphasised the need for bio-economy to enhance the economic development of the country and stem the scramble by youths for greener pastures abroad.
Mbah stated this, yesterday, at a workshop tagged, ‘Regional Awareness and Sensitisation Workshop on Strategic Implementation of the Cassava Bio-Ethanol Project’ organised by the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and Planning for the South East Zone in Enugu.
Represented by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the governor stated that the Cassava Bio-Ethanol project initiated by the Federal Government would give the youths hope and that its success would create employment opportunities and dissuade youths from leaving the country in droves.
He said that bio-technology would open vista of opportunities that would improve the country’s economy in no distant future.
Speaking on the importance of Bio-Ethanol, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Budget and Planning, Nebeolisa Anako, explained that Nigeria, as the largest producer of cassava, ought to harness it and its many value chains, apart from food, such as ethanol, starch and fine mash.
Anako said the Federal Government project of was a pilot edition in the South East before it would be extended to other parts of the country.
For the project to succeed, the Federal Government awarded it as a concession with a supporting take-off grant, he said.
“This project will be replicated in all the zones in the country, but is commencing as a pilot project in the South East.
“It is a wonderful project, and if it succeeds, it will take people out of poverty, help develop industry, research methods and capacities,” he said.
Source: The Guardian