The Edo State Government has said the revival of the Uromi Cassava Processing Plant, which was in a state of disrepair for over a decade, will create employment opportunities and boost manufacturing in Edo Central Senatorial District of the State.

The plant was revived after the state government reached an agreement with M-Hiver Nig Ltd as part of the government’s drive to boost industrial activities in the state.

The Edo State Commissioner for Business, Trade and Cooperatives, Afishetu Braimoh said the new development will usher in a new era of prosperity in the area.

She said the revived plant will source raw materials locally, noting that the plant will enhance youth employment and fast-track industrial development in the state.

Braimoh noted, “There are so many by-products from cassava that can be realised from this plant. The plant has been lying dormant for over a decade. As you know, the war in Ukraine and Russia has reduced the supply of wheat. Cassava is the perfect alternative to wheat. We also now have companies coming into Edo State to set up ethanol production. It is time that we revive this plant and let Edo people start reaping the reward of the facility.”

The commissioner added: “One thing that M-Hiver has committed to do is providing jobs for the youths across the state. Dr Mike Iseghohi of M-Hiver, who is a native of Uromi and other members of his team will work with the government to make this facility come alive.

“This is a dream come true for the Ministry of Business, Trade and Cooperatives as well as the Edo people. Since we took office and looked at all the defunct government industries, we have worked very hard to see how we can either revive or at least salvage them. We also worked hard to identify any of the private sectors that will purchase these plants.”

She noted, “As long as there is a government-owned industry that is defunct, we must turn it around as that is the only way we can realize job employment for the people.”

On his part, the Managing Director, M-Hiver Nigeria Ltd, Dr. Mike Iseghohi, said work to revive the plant has commenced, noting, “We are here to take over the cassava plant in Uromi which was constructed in 2008 and has since been lying fallow. We want to energize the place and set it rolling. We are interested in getting it off the ground immediately because cassava is a very important product needed in this part of the world.

“There are many by-products that we need to get into the market from this place. The plant will bring at least 30 percent employment to the youths in the axis. Farmers can get back to their farms and increase the GDP of this state. We are going to start off now, re-energize the place and make it become fully operational within the next one year.”