From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
The Federal Government has concluded plans to set up a Cassava-Bio-Ethanol project in the South East to boost the zone’s economy.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Budget and Planning, Nebeolisa Anako, revealed this at the regional awareness and sensitisation workshop on strategic implementation of the Cassava-Bio-Ethanol project, held in Enugu on Tuesday.
Speaking on the importance of Bio-Ethanol, Nebeolisa said that Nigeria as the biggest producer of cassava ought to harness its value chains to further boost the nation’s economy.
Nebeolisa said that the Bio-Ethanol project of the Federal Government was a pilot project that would commence in the South East before it would go round to other parts of the country.
He said that, “the Federal Government awarded it as a concession with a supporting take off grant, pointing out that with the pilot project launched in the South East, it would be replicated in all the zones of the country.
“This project will be replicated in all the zones in the country but is commencing as a pilot project in the South East. It is a wonderful project and if it succeeds, it will put people out of poverty, help develop industry, research methods and capacities,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah urged Enugu residents to key into Bio-ecomomy to enhance the economic development of the state and the South East.
Mbah who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government Chidiebere Onyia, said that the derivable value chain of Bio-ecomomy will stem the tendency of youths leaving the country for greener pastures abroad
He said that the Cassava-Bioethanol project initiated by the Federal Government would give the youths hope and that if the project succeeds, it will create employment opportunities and dissuade the youths from leaving the country.
The event was organised by the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and Planning for the South East zone and was attended by heads of institutions, ministries and agencies.