The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has indicated its readiness to partner with an indigenous cassava starch manufacturing factory in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State to create job opportunities for the youth.
The NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Sir 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, according to a statement by Pius O. Ughakpoteni, Director, Corporate Affairs
dated January 29, 2024.
Antai 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 the 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 Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the firm would be assisted in increasing its daily production of 250,000 metric tonnes daily.
He said NDDC would assist the company in many ways, including acquiring land, the needed raw materials and skilled labour.
The Executive Director of Projects said that in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, NDDC would also go into partnership with non-governmental organisations with similar interests to ensure massive food production in the country.
Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the factory Mrs. 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 to increase its production capacity.
The factory boss appreciated NDDC for showing interest and expressed hope that it would bring the needed turnaround to enable the factory to meet several waiting demands across the nation.
