The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced plans to rejuvenate its rice mill located at Elele Alimini in the Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State. The initiative aims to bolster food security in the region, aligning with the commission’s mandate to foster sustainable development in the Niger Delta.
During an inspection visit to the rice mill, NDDC’s Executive Director of Projects, Victor Antai, expressed concern over the cessation of production at the facility, deeming it a setback to the region’s industrialization agenda. Antai underscored the pivotal role of the rice mill in creating employment opportunities for the region’s youth, emphasizing the commission’s commitment to revitalizing the plant.
“The suspension of production at the rice mill is regrettable,” remarked Antai, highlighting the facility’s significance as a cornerstone of NDDC’s industrialization initiatives. He lauded the partnership between NDDC and the Elephant Group in establishing the rice mill, emphasizing the need to explore avenues to reignite production.
Antai reaffirmed NDDC’s dedication to promoting food security and economic empowerment in the Niger Delta, aligning with the vision of Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku to address youth unemployment. He pledged to engage with the management of the Elephant Group to devise strategies for resuming operations at the rice mill.
Noting the importance of a reliable power supply for industrial operations, Antai acknowledged the need to connect the rice mill to a dedicated power line from a power injection station. Responding to technical concerns raised by the Elephant Group’s staff regarding the capacity of the transformer, Antai assured swift action to optimize power infrastructure and streamline production processes.
“The NDDC remains committed to ensuring the sustainable operation of the Elele Alimini rice mill,” Antai affirmed, underscoring the commission’s resolve to catalyze economic growth and prosperity in the Niger Delta region.
The revitalization of the rice mill stands as a testament to NDDC’s enduring commitment to fostering agricultural development and empowering communities across the Niger Delta, signaling a transformative step towards enhancing regional food security and economic resilience.