The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) has initiated a strategic partnership with the Engineering Materials Development Institute (EMDI), Akure, aimed at accelerating industrial growth, enhancing technical capacity, and expanding youth empowerment programmes in Ilaje and Ese-Odo council areas.
Chairman of OSOPADEC, Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, disclosed this during a working visit to the institute, a research arm under the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), where he lauded the institute’s technological capabilities and innovation-driven approach to local manufacturing.
Poroye said the commission’s collaboration with EMDI aligns with the industrialisation blueprint of Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, particularly in fostering self-reliance, promoting indigenous technology, and creating sustainable livelihoods in the riverine communities.
“What we have seen here underscores Nigeria’s capacity to produce high-quality engineering products locally without overdependence on foreign imports. The standard of innovations at EMDI confirms that world-class solutions are available within the country,” he said.
He explained that the proposed partnership would focus on manpower development, technical training, and investment opportunities across key sectors, stressing that OSOPADEC is committed to reducing poverty through skills acquisition and economic empowerment initiatives targeted at youths and women.
According to him, beyond infrastructure provision, the commission is prioritising human capital development as a pathway to long-term economic sustainability in its mandate areas.
Poroye added that the success of the state’s industrialisation drive, particularly in the coastal axis, would depend largely on collaboration with specialised institutions capable of providing technical expertise and professional training.
Earlier, the Overseeing Officer of EMDI, Yusuf Fausat Olumide, said the institute possesses the technical competence and production capacity to manufacture a wide range of engineering materials currently imported into Nigeria.
She noted that increased patronage of locally produced materials would not only conserve foreign exchange but also strengthen the nation’s industrial base.
Also, the Director of Finishing at the institute, Abdulaziz, showcased several innovations developed by EMDI, including agro-processing equipment, organic fertiliser plants, eco-friendly cooking stoves, charging bay systems, and other advanced manufacturing technologies tailored to support local industries.
He added that the institute is equipped with a team of highly trained scientists and engineers, capable of delivering specialised training in materials testing, engineering processes, ICT, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing technologies.
Abdulaziz further highlighted practical training modules available at the institute, including web development, Python programming, data analysis, casting, heat treatment, and the operation of modern industrial machines such as plasma cutting equipment.