A two day South South Zonal sensitisation workshop on strategic implementation of the Bioethanol has been held in Asaba, the Delta state Capital.
The workshop which was organised by the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning was attended by the state Governor Honourable, Sheriff Oborevwori and dignitaries across the zone.
The Governor representated by the permanent Secretary ministry of Agriculture,Dr.Ben Agamah, said the workshop was a welcome development as it will educate Nigerians on the importance of cassava.
He said transforming cassava and Bioethanol has a value chain, stressing that if well applied will create job opportunities for the youth.
Honourable Oborevwori said there was no need for waste any more as extracts from cassava could be used for other productions.
He said Delta State had put machineries in motion to harness the benefits derived from cassava through the ministry of Agriculture.
Governor Oborevwori called on Deltans to take Agriculture seriously as it would go along way to reduce poverty in the country.
In a keynote address, the permanent Secretary Federal ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning,Mr.Nebeolisa Anako, represented by Mrs.Elizabeth Egharevba explained that the aspirations of the Federal Government was to bring about higher GDP, growth and to significantly reduce unemployment by creating meaningful opportunities for youths.
He said the Bio-economy policy was aimed at promoting sustainable economic growth and development by creating a Bio-based economy that will contribute to the job creation, poverty reduction and increased access to food and energy.
Mr.Nebeolisa said this would be achieved through the development of cassava Bio-economy,as well as other Bio-resources.
He said the country at this time needs an approach that would increase food production,youth empowerment and increased growth through the provisions of industrial feedstock and exportable products to boost the economy through cassava Bioethanol value chain.
The permanent Secretary expressed gratitude to the State Government for hosting the programme as it would go along way to change the country 's narratives in promoting the economy.
In a Goodwill message, professor.James Olumuyiwa on behalf of the Association of Daens.of Agriculture in Nigeria Universities, said the body was aimed to contribute to the growth of Nigerian Agricultural sector through the production of quality graduates of Agriculture and problem solving in Agricultural research.
He commended the organisers saying that it will go along way to educate Nigerians on the benefits of cassava in the economy.
