FIIRO seals pact to harness ceramic industry’s potential

THE Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO) has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Epina Technologies Limited, as part of efforts to help the country to develop its ceramic industry as well as other solid mineral resources.

Speaking during the signing of the MoU in Lagos, Director General of FIIRO, Gloria Elemo, emphasized the need for the country to innovate ways through which the nation can boost its economy by developing untapped natural resources.

She added that the partnership would assist the institution to carry out related projects, help skill development as well as provide opportunities for the small and medium scale sector of the economy.

She explained that the organisation has made major breakthroughs on wheat flour to limit it importation for bread and confectionery food products

She said: “So much can be saved by including 20 percent cassava into our wheat to produce cassava bread for Nigerians to consume.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Epina Technologies Limited, who is also a professor of ceramics engineering, Patrick Oaikhinan, said that there was need for Nigerians to get extra creative and innovate solutions to tackle the current economic difficulties bewildering the country.

“Our challenge is to improve the domestic manufacturing business/trade so that we can attract investment, provide employment opportunities, and facilitate technology transfer and skills building.

“We are more ready to move forward with this exciting new collaboration. With it Epina and FIIRO will be more than ready to support the Government in the expansion of the economy”.