Igbinedion University Okada (IUO), Edo, has unveiled a two-tonne palm oil processing mill and a 72-room hotel in Okada as part of activities to commemorate the institution’s 25th anniversary.
Inaugurating the projects, Victor Attah, a former governor of Akwa Ibom, said that the developments were testaments to Igbinedion’s vision and commitment to the development of the state and the country at large.
Attah described the projects as phenomenal, saying that Igbinedion was one man who had confidence and faith that Nigerians could develop Nigeria.
“When you can do something, then you can develop faith in a fellow Nigerian; it is amazing how people run abroad because they are not productive and are not confident in themselves.
“This is a demonstration that Esama and his son are very productive and have confidence that Nigerians can develop Nigeria; I am very happy and proud of their achievements”.
In his remarks, Igbinedion, who is also the chancellor of the university, said he was overwhelmed by the efficiency of the IUO oil mill, adding that he was satisfied with the projects after personally inspecting them.
Igbinedion called on the engineers who installed the facility to ensure that the equipment was regularly maintained for maximum production.
“I will like to call on the suppliers of the raw materials to live up to expectations and ensure regular supply to keep the facility functional,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, said that the IUO mill had an installed capacity to process palm oil at the rate of two tonnes per hour, with a provision for future expansion.
He added that the palm oil mill and the hotel were part of the institution’s legacy projects and innovative ideas.
According to him, the palm oil processing mill is a collaborative effort between the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the institution.
Also present at the event were the Deputy Chancellor and a former governor of the state, Mr. Lucky Igbinedion, among others.
The high point of the event was the unveiling of the chancellor’s and founder’s photo gallery, which houses four compendiums of the photo activities of the chancellor in the last 25 years.
