Benin City, July 31, 2025 – The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has expressed readiness to partner with the Edo State Government to boost raw materials development, local production, and agriculture in the state.
This was made known during a courtesy visit by a delegation led by the state coordinator, Engr.Otoikhila O. Emmanuel, from the RMRDC to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Business, Trade and Cooperatives, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Benin City.
Speaking during the visit, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Business, Trade and Cooperatives, Barr(Mrs.) F. N. Edokpolor, commended the RMRDC for its proactive steps toward promoting industrial growth and economic sustainability through local sourcing of raw materials. She noted that the Edo State Government is already implementing several initiatives aimed at encouraging raw materials development and agricultural productivity across the state.
“The government of Edo State is doing a lot to promote agriculture and encourage the development and utilization of raw materials, especially as part of its broader industrialisation and job creation agenda,” she said.
In his remarks, the Director-General of RMRDC, represented by a senior official of the Council, said the purpose of the visit was to explore areas of collaboration with the Ministry and other stakeholders in the state. He explained that such partnerships would ultimately benefit the people, enhance value addition, and strengthen grassroots economic activities.
“We are here to seek collaboration because we believe the people of Edo State stand to gain significantly from what we do. Development of local raw materials not only drives industrial growth but also empowers communities and boosts livelihoods,” he said.
The visit concluded with both parties expressing willingness to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, particularly in agro-processing, cooperative development, and small-scale enterprise support.
Present at the meeting were management staff of the Ministry and as well as some management staff of the RMDRC.
