Cross River Seeks Collaboration with Raw Materials Council

The Cross River State government has sought collaboration with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) to develop the state's science and technology ministry.

During a meeting with the Director General of RMRDC, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso yesterday in Abuja, the State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr. Justin Beshel, emphasized the need for support from the federal government to develop the new ministry.

Beshel who highlighted the state's abundance of raw materials, which he believes would be of great interest to the council for development, said the state was willing to partner the council to establish a Biotechnology Research Centre, Science and Innovation Research institute, amongst others to serve the South-South region. 

The Commissioner maintained that the meeting marks the beginning of a potential partnership between the state government and RMRDC, aimed at harnessing the state's raw materials for development and economic growth.

In response, Prof. Ike-Muonso expressed his willingness to build a strong symbiotic relationship with the Cross River State government, stating that he is open to working on proposals that benefit both the agency and the state.

Earlier, Dr. Theresa Omara-Achong, a Cross River-born retired director from the council, appealed to the DG to consider investing in beekeeping in the state, given Cross River's status as one of the largest honey producers in the country.

She suggested that the council should consider exploring investment in cassava flash technology as a low hanging fruit, as all local governments in the state are involved in commercial cassava farming.