Ondo partners NNPC on cassava-ethanol production

AS part of the Ondo state government to industrialise the state, the state government has established a synergy with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in the area of cassava-ethanol production.

The Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor on Development and Investment, Mr Boye Oyewumi, who disclosed this in Akure, Ondo state capital, said the cassava-ethanol project which is expected to take off before the end of the year will create over 12,000 direct jobs while over 200,000 farmers would be fully engaged.

Speaking during the visit of the NNPC official and the foreign experts to the site of the plant at Okeluse in Ose Local Government Area of the state, Oyewumi explained that the ethanol project would also involve a consortium of Obax Worldwide Limited and Complant in partnership with NNPC, would create employment opportunities in the state.

He said “We are here with the representatives of NNPC, Obax Worldwide Ltd and a Chinese company called Complant. I’m happy to inform you that we are now about to start,”

Also, the Senior Special Assistant to the State Governor on Agriculture and Agri-business, Mr Akin Olotu, said the NNPC team was on ground to look at the terrain, and dialogue with the community.

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He said the project would provide jobs for thousands of people directly and indirectly, and assured that the industry would be the answer to the industrialization agitations of the people.

“It’s an ethanol plant and we are looking at close to a million tonnes capacity plant. Imagine the multiplier effects on the economy of the state and individuals,” he said.

Earlier at the palace of the Ojima of Okeluse, the Special Adviser had solicited the support and cooperation of the community throughout the establishment process.

While appealing that his people be carried along in the execution of the project, Oba Adeyeoba Owasunloye expressed optimism that his subjects would be favourably disposed to its early completion.

He observed with concern the failure of past administrations in keeping their promises to develop the town, but appealed to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to make the project a reality.

Earlier, the leader of the foreign team, Mr Wang Qing, had stressed that the Federal Government was interested in the programme.

He promised to carry out the project alongside research as urgent as possible.

Mr Qing appreciated the level of hospitality extended to members of his team by the host community, which he said would encourage them to work and deliver the project on time.

It will be recalled the MoU for the establishment of the cassava ethanol plant in Okeluse had been signed by the Ondo State Government and the NNPC.