The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) says it is prepared to go into partnership with an indigenous cassava starch manufacturing factory based in Sagbama LGA of Bayelsa State to create job opportunities for the youths. This is to enable the firm to go beyond the current 250,000 metric tonnes per day.
The NDDC Executive Director (Projects), Victor Antai, gave this indication when he visited the Ebedebiri Starch Company Limited in the company of some directors of the commission. He stated that the move would promote the local industry and create employment for youths in the Niger Delta region.
He explained: “I have gone round the factory with some management staff of the commission and I can attest that the standard, location of the factory and the calibre of staff on ground would serve as good justification for the partnership.”
Antai further observed that in line with the policy of the Commission under the leadership of Samuel Ogbuku, the firm would be assisted to increase its daily production of 250,000 metric tonne daily.
He said NDDC would assist the company in many ways, including acquiring land, the needed raw materials, and skilled labour.
The executive director said n line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, NDDC would also go into partnership with non-governmental organisations with similar interest to ensure massive food production in the country.
Earlier, CEO of the factory, Tonye Ekiyor, stressed the importance of boosting food production in the Niger Delta region. She appealed to the NDDC to assist the factory with facilities to enable it increase its production capacity.
The factory boss appreciated NDDC for showing interest and expressed hope that it would bring the needed turn around to enable the factory meet up with several waiting demands across the nation.
