From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
Polymer Institute of Nigeria as part of its social responsibilities of uplifting socio-economic activities in Nigeria has shown willingness to partner with Imo State Government (IMSG) to shore up her commitment towards waste management and job creation processes in the state shared prosperity agenda.
This was revealed when a high powered delegation from the institute led by Prof Paul Mamza visited Governor Hope Uzodimma, at the Government House Owerri Imo State, on Tuesday as the Governor gave consent of the willingness of his government to partner with them.
Uzodimma said that his government is keen on taking advantage of the Institute’s readiness to make waste management a source of economic resources for the state and through the teaching of Polymer Technology as a course of study at the Imo State Polytechnic Umuagwo Ohaji/Egbema LGA.
He commended them for pushing through the Chartered Polymer Institute of Nigeria bill which is awaiting the Presidential assent and promised to work with them so long as it will benefit Imo people.
The Governor directed the Office of the Deputy Governor to work with the group on how to maximize the opportunity at the Imo Poly by including Polymer Technology in the curriculum of the school.
Uzodimma also directed the group to liaise with the Ministry of Environment in the State on issues and programmes concerning waste management.
In their address read by the National President, Prof. Paul Mamza, he said that they are in Imo State to see how they could establish a partnership with the purposeful leadership of the Governor to tackle unemployment through self-employment strategy.
Mamza informed that the Institute has developed a far reaching and elaborate proposal on the utilization of local raw materials for commercially viable products that can boost the economy of the State like: in the production of foams, paints, adhesives, pigments, fibre-reinforced polymers, among others.
He also assured the Governor and the audience that if the partnership pulls through it will be their responsibility to make Imo State one of the cleanest States in Nigeria by getting rid of waste and making them useful for commercial purposes.
They equally expressed their intention to help the Imo State Government in developing a sound curriculum for Polymer Courses in the State Polytechnic.
Highlight of the visit was the presentation of 200 pieces of locally produced and branded face mask by the Polymer Institute of Nigeria to the Governor by Engr. (Dr.) Innocent Akuvue, the Chairman Board of Directors Polymer Institute of Nigeria, as their humble contribution towards the fight against Covid-19 in Imo State.
Present at the visit were the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prof. Placid Njoku, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyiehie and some members of the Expanded Exco.
