Pioneer Director-General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC),Prof. Oluremi Aribisala, has urged the Federal Government to invest in identifying and harnessing raw materials within local councils to boost the nation’s economy.

Noting that lack of policy consistency is a major obstacle to the country’s growth, the don said Nigeria needs leaders with strong political will to continue with projects initiated by previous administrations.

She stated this yesterday at a special valedictory session in honour of the former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo, Late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, organised by RMRDC in Abuja.

Iwuanyanwu was the Pioneer Governing Board Chairman of the Council.

Aribisala, who emphasised the importance of research in driving development, observed that empowering local governments to harness their resources would provide jobs for the vulnerable.

“As far back as the time of Chief Iwuanyanwu, the council invested in knowing the raw materials in each local government and before the end of his tenure, we discovered that only cluster industries, like it’s been done in China, can make the local government people inclusive in harnessing these resources, which are God’s given to their various locality,” he said.

“You can imagine a local government that harnessed and do value added transformation on their raw materials. You can imagine the empowerment it would bring to those people. They will not have to go to Lagos to sleep under the bridge. They will not have to come to Abuja to sleep in the motor parks because they have these resources.

“The present administration needs to work and give that challenge to the Raw Material Research and Development Council to come up with their publications on upgraded indigenous technology, so that various local governments will benefit from development.

“We are where we find ourselves during the structural adjustment program, where manufacturing are shutting down. That is over 30 years ago. We take steps forward; we take greater steps backward.”

The don said Iwuanyanwu exemplified selflessness, merit-based leadership, and a people-orientated vision.

“He led by example, investing his time and resources without seeking personal gain. He was a leader who prioritised the greater good, refusing luxuries and entitlements,” he stated.

Speaking, RMRDC Director-General, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, described the late Iwuanyanwu as a renowned engineer, industrialist, humanist, philanthropist, politician, and statesman.

IKe-Muonso recalled that Chief Iwuanyanwu’s efforts reduced import dependency and conserved foreign exchange, leaving a lasting impact on Nigeria’s economy.

“RMRDC pledged to honour his memory by promoting local raw material sourcing, reducing import dependency, and conserving foreign exchange,” he said.

“Chief Iwuanyanwu’s life reminds us that one person’s vision and dedication can change a nation.”