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EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR CONSULTANCY SERVICES (EOI)

 1.0 INTRODUCTION:

The Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi, a Parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology as part of the efforts to achieve its mandate and in compliance with the requirements of the Public Procurement Act 2007 (PPA) hereby invites interested competent and reputable firms with proven experience to express their interest in the Consultancy Services for the following:


 Category A

  • Consultancy Services for Construction and Rehabilitation Works.

A1.      SCOPE OF WORK

  • Preparation of drawings
  • Preparation of Bill of Quantities
  • The Consulting Firm will design a process for achievement of the projects
  • The Consulting Firm will ensure the supervision of the progress of the projects.

Category B

LOT B1: Consultancy Services on Youth training/empowerment in Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, Enugu state.

LOT B2: Consultancy Services on Publication of R&D result in printed and electronic media.

LOT B3: Consultancy Services on Promotion of FIIRO Developed Technologies

LOT B4: Consultancy Services on National Innovation Week.

LOT B5: Consultancy Services on Research and Development into food for immediate relief for the IDPS/Malnutrition Management Ready to Use Therapeutic Food Programme.

LOT B6: Consultancy Services on Research and Development into pulp and paper production project technologies

LOT B7: Consultancy services on Techno-Entrepreneurship and Industrial Development.

LOT B8: Consultancy Services on Entrepreneurship Training of Youth and Women

LOT B9: Consultancy Services on Quality Management System – ISO 9001:2015

LOT B10: Consultancy Services on Techno-Entrepreneurship Training on Zobo Extraction and Preservation in North-East Zonal Office

LOT B11: Consultancy Services on Techno-Entrepreneurship Training on Zobo Extraction and Preservation for Tudunwada Local Government Area of Kano State

LOT B12: Consultancy Services on Techno Entrepreneurship Training on Fruit Juice Extraction

LOT B13: Consultancy Services on Techno-Entrepreneurship Training on Zobo Extraction and Preservation in North-Central Zonal Office

LOT B14: Consultancy Services on Skill Acquisition in Preservatives of Tomato Processing Enzymes Preservation and Local Brew 

LOT B15: Consultancy Services on Techno-Entrepreneurship Training on Cassava Processing Into Fufu in South-East Zonal Office, Enugu 

LOT B16: Consultancy Services on Techno-Entrepreneurship Training of Women/Youth on Instant Pounded Yam Flour Production in South-West Zonal Office Owode

LOT B17: Consultancy Services on Techno-Entrepreneurship Training of Women/Youth on Instant Plantain Flour Production in South-South Zonal Office, Asaba

LOT B18: Consultancy Services on Techno-Entrepreneurship Training on Zobo Extraction and Preservative

  1. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The Prospective Contractors/Service Provider shall be required to submit the following documents:

  1. Evidence of Certificate of Incorporation with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) including Form CAC2 and CAC7;
  2. Evidence of Company Income’s Tax Clearance Certificate for the last three (3) years (2016, 2017 & 2018) valid till 31st December, 2019;
  3. Evidence of current Pension Compliance Certificate valid till 31st December, 2019;
  4. Evidence of current Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Compliance Certificate valid till 31st December, 31st December, 2019;
  5. Evidence of current Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Compliance Certificate valid till 31st December, 2019;
  6. Evidence of Registration on the National Database of Federal Contractors, Consultants and Service Providers by submission of Interim Registration Report (IRR) expiring on 1/1/2020 or valid Certificate issued by BPP.
  7. Sworn Affidavit disclosing whether or not any officer of the relevant committee of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi or the Bureau of Public Procurement is a former or present Director, shareholder or has any pecuniary interest in the bidder and to confirm that all information presented in its bid are true and correct in all particulars;
  8. Company’s Audited Accounts for the last three (3) years - 2016, 2017, 2018;
  9. Evidence of financial capability to execute the project by submission of Reference Letter from a reputable commercial bank indicating willingness to fund the project when awarded;
  10. Evidence of Firm’s registration with relevant profession body(ies)
  11. Company Profile with the Curriculum Vitae of Key Staff to be deployed for the project, including copies of their Academic/Professional qualifications (COREN, QSRBN, ARCON, CORBON etc.);
  12. Verifiable documentary evidence of at least three (3) similar jobs executed in the last five (5) years including Letters of Awards, Valuation Certificates, Job Completion Certificates and Photographs of the projects;
  13. For Joint Venture/Partnership/Consortium, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) should be provided (CAC, Tax Clearance Certificate, Pension Compliance Certificate, ITF Compliance Certificate, NSITF Compliance Certificate, IRR & Sworn Affidavit are compulsory for each JV partner);
  14. All documents for submission must be transmitted with a Covering/Forwarding letter under the Company/Firm’s Letter Head Paper bearing amongst others, the Registration Number (RC) as issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Contact Address, Telephone Number (preferably GSM No.), and e-mail address. The Letterhead Paper must bear the Names and Nationalities of the Directors of the Company at the bottom of the page, duly signed by the authorised officer of the firm.

3.0      SUBMISSION OF EOI DOCUMENT

Interested firms are to submit two (2) bound of Expression of Interest (EOI) documents separated by dividers and arranged as indicated in eligibility criteria.  The documents should be submitted in a sealed envelope and addressed to the THE DIRECTOR GENERAL/CEO, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, P.M.B. 21023, Ikeja, Lagos State and should be dropped in a box Marked ‘Expression of Interest’’ in the office of the Director Procurement, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, P.M.B. 21023, Ikeja, Lagos State not later than 12.00noon on Tuesday 8th October, 2019.

4.0      OPENING OF EOI DOCUMENT

Expression of Interest will be opened immediately following the deadline for the submission of bids on 8th October, 2019, at 12:00 noon at the Institute Auditorium in the presence of bidders or their representatives. Please, ensure that you sign the Submission Register in the Office of the Director of Procurement, Ground Floor, Administrative Building, Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi, Lagos, as the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi will not be held liable for misplaced or wrongly submitted bids. For further enquiries, please contact the “08132173116” on e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Only Shortlisted Firms will be invited at a later date for collection of Request for Proposal.

5.0      ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

  1. Letter Authorizing FIIRO to make enquires about any information supplied by the Company.
  2. No bidder should bid for more than two (2) lots
  3. Any other information that will be useful in determine the firm’s competence
  4. Bidder or their representatives and other interested Organizations / General Public are by this notice invited to witness the event
  1. Only firms that comply with regulatory requirements would be considered
  2. Late submission will be returned un-opened
  3. Bidder shall be responsible for all expenses incurred in the preparation of their Bids
  4. Failure to satisfactorily fulfill the conditions as requested above will result to the invalidation of such document
  1. FIIRO reserve the right to verify the authenticity of claim(s) made by any Company
  2. FIIRO shall reserve the right to reject any submission based on unverifiable information

Please note that this exercise place no commitment on FIIRO nor establishes any legal relationship whatsoever.

  1. FIIRO is not bound to pre-qualify any bidder and reserves the right to annul the Procurement process at any time without incurring any liabilities in accordance with Section 28 of the Public Procurement Act 2007

The Institute’s website, E-mail address and Phone number are as follows:

E-mail Address: - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: -www.fiiro.gov.ng

Tel: - 08132173116

Signed

MANAGEMENT

 

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FIIRO RECEIVES ISO 17025:2005 CERTIFICATION FOR ITS CENTRAL LABORATORY

FIIRO has recorded another milestone in achieving its vision of becoming the foremost Centre of excellence in Science and Technology - based Research and Development for the Industrialization and Socio-economic advancement of the nation. On Thursday, 9th August, 2018, the Institute was presented ISO 17025:2005 certificate for accreditation of its central laboratory. The certificate was received by the Honorable Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu. Nigerian National Accreditation Service (NiNAS) in presenting the certificate to the Hon. Minister said FIIRO is the first public sector that would receive such accreditation in Nigeria.


The Hon. Minister in his speech said attaining ISO 17025:2005 certification is indeed a major achievement in national quest for quality services and excellent delivery of services and a step in the right direction for FIIRO to becoming a leading research Institute in Nigeria and globally. The Hon. Minister also informed the general public that analysis carried out in the accredited FIIRO laboratory would require no further analysis anywhere in the world for acceptance. He further revealed that the ISO certification would enhance export competitiveness of Nigerian products by small, medium and large enterprises who are into export businesses in Nigeria. The Hon. Minister while directing FIIRO to immediately commence activities for accrediting all its laboratories and workshops promised to give full support towards achieving the directive.

Prof. Ajayi Boroffice, the Chairman- Senate Committee on Science and Technology who was a Special Guest of Honor at the event commended the DG/CEO of FIIRO for her visionary leadership and achievements so far which have brought FIIRO to limelight and the attainment of national relevance.

Barrister Segun Awolowo, the Executive Director- Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) who was also a Special Guest at the occasion joined in commending the leadership of FIIRO and reinstated the commitment of NEPC to collaboration with FIIRO in area of value addition to agro-value chains as well as packaging to enhance export potential. 

Dr. Ibrahim Dan’Azumi Gwarzo- the Chairman, Governing Board of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi in his remark noted that presentation of ISO: 17025:2015 to FIIRO is attestation of the good hard work of the DG/CEO, Prof. (Mrs.) G.N Elemo and the entire members of staff of the Institute. He said he is aware that ISO certification does not come easy; it requires a lot of resources, commitments and expertise but the benefits which include international recognition for results from ISO certified laboratory justify the means. He further said that the Governing Board would be giving the management of the Institute all the support that is needed to position the Institute as a national and international Institute that could stand at par with similar Institutes with comparable mandates in any part of the world.  

The DG/CEO FIIRO, Prof. (Mrs.) Gloria Elemo in her address at the occasion said the issue of ISO certification was borne out of the Institute’s desire to provide world class quality service to meet the need of industries and research communities both in Nigeria and abroad. She said under the accreditation, ten parameters were accredited covering some critical areas in food and non food especially Charcoal where FIIRO has developed some expertise over the years while another eight parameters would be considered for accreditation under the extension of scope by October 2018. The DG/CEO acknowledged the support of the Hon. Minister, the Permanent Secretary and the Directors in the Ministry of Science and Technology.

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MOBILE CASSAVA PROCESSING INNOVATION (MOCAPI) SOLUTION

MOCAPI unit is a mechanization project meant to upgrade production of gari at cottage level it targeted women processors in the rural areas who do not have access to improved processing methods and equipment.

The idea for a mobile cassava-processing unit as service support for women engaged in the cassava sector was born during a study tour in Oyo and Ogun Sate, Nigeria in 2017.


Major findings were that the level of technology used by the women at cottage level does not allow expansion to more profitable markets and low efficiency in some of the processes leads to low margins. Women also usually lack capital to invest in technology in order to enhance their production.

By bundling some of the machinery necessary to upgrade the processing at cottage level to one mobile unit, MOCAPI will actually create a new job profile of a service provider in the cassava sector.

The project is a cooperation partnership between the Nigerian Government, notably the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi FIIRO, GIZ Nigeria on behalf of the German Government and Robert Bosch Ltd., Nigeria. All three parties align their specific contributions to the project based on agreed activities.

The approach followed is to specifically mechanize those processes where, with little technical input, a maximum of increased efficiency and quality improvement can be reached. By renting the mobile services, women can easily incorporate the new technology into their individual processes while still being attached to their own households.

FIIRO was involved in the area of design, fabrication and assembly of the grater, hammer mill, cassava mash press and the towing cart while Bosch provided the Sealing machine. All the machineries were packed into an Indian made tricycle.

Objective: with the goal of transforming the cassava value chain and fostering the inclusion of marginalized women, GIZ Green Innovation Centre (GIAE), Bosch and Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO) have formed a partnership aiming to:

  • Improve stationary processes as grating and pressing
  • Implement hygienic and sustainable packaging
  • Improve business skills, diversify product lines and strengthen women and cooperatives.
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INVITATION TO TENDER FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF GOODS, WORKS AND EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) FOR CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR THE EXECUTION OF 2018 APPROPRIATION

INVITATION TO TENDER FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF GOODS, WORKS AND EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) FOR CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR THE EXECUTION OF 2018 APPROPRIATION

INTRODUCTION:

The Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi, a Parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology is desirous of carrying out its Capital Project under 2018 Budget Appropriation. Reputable Contractors and Companies and Service Providers with relevant experience and financial capabilities are invited to tender for the Projects as indicated below:

CATEGORY A           -           GOODS

LOT NO

                                 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

A1

Supply and Installation of Cassava Processing Machinery and Equipment

A2

Supply and Installation of Full Proximate Composition Equipment

A3

Supply and Installation of Rapid Moisture Analyser

A4

Refurbishing of Digester Machine for Pulp and Paper Production Project.

A5

Supply and Installation of Cassava Processing Machine into Gari for Ika – South – Delta

A6

Supply of Office Equipment

A7

Supply of Computers for Research and Development Projects

A8

Supply and Installation of Solar Lightening

A9

Supply and Installation of Gari Processing Plant in Atani Abia State

A10

Supply and Installation of Laboratory Equipment

A11

Supply of Dual Core Photocopier

A12

Equipping of Sensory Evaluation Laboratory with Networking Facilities

A13

Supply of Project Vehicle

A14

Supply and Installation of Aflatoxin Analyzer

A15

Supply of Maintenance Tools

A16

Supply of Engineering /Fabrication Tools

A17

Supply of Accessories for Argon Welding and Plasma Cutting Machine

A18

Servicing of RMU and Transformer

A19

Acquisition of Packaging Machine for Training of SMEs in Product Design and Packaging

A20

Archiving of FIIRO Records and Documents

A21

Digitalization and Development of Electronic Management

A22

Equipping of Library Complex

A23

Supply & Installation of Spinning Machine & Loom for Textile Production

A24

Acquisition of FIIRO Exhibition and Entrepreneurship Centre in Abuja

A25

Installation of Fruit Juice Processing Plant

A26

Optimization of Institute Network and Data Management System

 

CATEGORY B           -           WORKS

LOT NO

                                 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

B1

Proposed Rehabilitation and Electrification of Tomato Processing Factory at Kano Zonal Office

B2

Proposed Upgrading of FIIRO Exhibition Dome and Environment

B3

Proposed Construction of Integrated Cassava Processing Factory at Ifedore

B4

Proposed Renovation of Mushroom Production and Training Room

B5

Proposed Construction of Office Building for Enhanced Research Development

B6

Proposed Rehabilitation of Laboratories for Enhanced Research and Development

B7

Proposed Rehabilitation of Technology Transfer Offices and ICT Office

B8

Proposed Rehabilitation of 6 No. Offices in PDD Complex for Engineers

B9

Proposed Construction of Research Quarters

B10

Proposed Rehabilitation of Textile and Polymer Laboratory

B11

Proposed Development of Enzyme Centre for Production of Local Raw Materials

B12

Proposed Rehabilitation of Overhead Water tank and Servicing of 2 No. Industrial Boreholes

B13

Proposed Rehabilitation of 2 No. Director’s Offices

B14

Proposed Beatification of the Institute’s Environment

 

CATEGORY C           -           CONSULTANCIES

LOT NO

                                 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

C1

Continuous  Research and Development

C2

Youth Training/Empowerment in Nsukka/Igbo-Eze – South Federal Constituency  Enugu State

C3

Food Security Conference

C4

Training on Modern Cassava Processing into Gari in Atani Abia State

C5

Research and  Development in Kenaf Production

C6

2019 Fabricator/Innovation Workshop

C7

Promotion of FIIRO Development Technologies

C8

Training of Selected Widows and Rural Women on Modern Cassava Farming and Processing in Nsukka LGA, Enugu State

C9

Publication of Books and Annual Reports

C10

Publicity of R & D Results in both Print and Electronic Media

C11

Skill Acquisition and Capacity Development in Delta

C12

Maintenance Services on Various Laboratory Equipment for Research and Development

 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The Prospective Contractors/Service Provider shall be required to submit the following documents:

  1. Evidence of Certificate of Incorporation with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) including Form CAC2 and CAC7;
  2. Evidence of Company Income’s Tax Clearance Certificate for the last three (3) years (2015, 2016 & 2017) valid till 31st December, 2018;
  3. Evidence of current Pension Compliance Certificate valid till 31st December, 2018:
  4. Evidence of current Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Compliance Certificate valid till 31st December, 2018;
  5. Evidence of current Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Compliance Certificate valid till 31st December, 2018;
  6. Evidence of Registration on the National Database of Federal Contractors, Consultants and Service Providers by submission of Interim Registration Report (IRR) expiring on 1/1/2019 or valid Certificate issued by BPP.
  7. Sworn Affidavit disclosing whether or not any officer of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi or the Bureau of Public Procurement is a former or present Director, shareholder or has any pecuniary interest in the bidder and to confirm that all information presented in its bid are true and correct in all particulars;
  8. Company’s Audited Account for the last three (3) years - 2015, 2016 & 2017;
  9. Evidence of financial capability to execute the project by submission of Reference Letter from a reputable commercial bank indicating willingness to provide credit facility for the execution of the project when needed;
  10. Company Profile with Curriculum Vitae of key Staff to be deployed for the project, including copies of their Academic/Professional qualifications (in case of construction: COREN, QSRBN, ARCON, CORBON etc.);
  11. Verifiable documentary evidence of at least three (3) similar jobs executed the last five (5) years including Letters of Awards, Valuation Certificates. Job Completion Certificates and Photographs of the projects;
  12. List of Plants/Equipment with proof of Ownership/Lease (where applicable);
  13. All documents for submission must be transmitted with a Covering/Forwarding letter under the Company/Firm’s Letter Head Paper bearing amongst others, the Registration Number (RC) as issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Contact Address, Telephone Number (preferably GSM No.), and e-mail address. The Letterhead Paper must bear the Names and Nationalities of the Directors of the Company at the bottom of the page, duly signed by the authorized officer of the firm.

COLLECTION OF TENDER DOCUMENTS

Interested firms for the procurement of Goods and Works are to collect bid documents from the Office of the Director of Procurement, 3rd Floor, PDD Building, Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi, Lagos, between 9:00 a.m. – 3: 30 p.m. upon presentation of evidence of payment of a non-refundable tender fee of Ten Thousand Naira (N10,000) per lot in favour of Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO) by using the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) payment gateway platform that can be accessed from the REMITA website at www.remita.net

N.B:  Interested bidders for the procurement of Consultancy Services are not expected to pay at this stage of tendering until after short – listing.

SUBMISSION OF BID DOCUMENT

For Expression of Interest:

Interested and qualified tenderers for the procurement of Consultancy Services are expected to submit Two (2) bound requalification documents sealed in an envelope and clearly marked ‘Expression of Interest’.  The name of the company, project title and Lot no. should be boldly written on the reverse side of the envelope addressed to THE DIRECTOR GENERAL/CEO, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, P.M.B. 21023, Ikeja, Lagos State and should be dropped in a box Marked ‘Expression of Interest’ in the office of the Director Procurement, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, P.M.B. 21023, Ikeja, Lagos State not later than 12.00 noon on Monday 17th September, 2018.

For Invitation to Tender:

The Completed Tender Documents (both Technical & Financial) are to be enclosed in Two Separate envelopes marked “Technical” and “Financial” and enclosed in a bigger envelope with appropriate project title and Lot No. of the project at top right hand corner and addressed to THE DIRECTOR GENERAL/CEO, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Olshodi, P.M.B. 21023, Ikeja, Lagos State and should be dropped in the appropriate boxes marked, Goods or Works in the office of the Director Procurement, Federal Institute of Industrial, Oshodi, P.M.B. 21023, Ikeja, Lagos State not later 12.00 noon, Tuesday 16th October, 2018.

OPENING OF BIDS

Expression of Interest will be opened immediately following the deadline for the submission of bids on 17th September, 2018, at 12.00 noon at the Institute Auditorium in the presence of bidders or their representatives.  Please, ensure that you sign the Bid Submission Register in the office in the Office of the Director of Procurement, 3rd Floor, PDD Building, Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi, Lagos, as the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi will not be held liable for misplaced or wrongly submitted bids.  For further enquiries, please contact the “08104374709’ on e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  only Shortlisted Firms will be invited at a later date for collection of Request for Proposal.

Tender document for Goods and Works will be opened immediately following the deadline for the submission of bids at 12.00 noon, Tuesday 16th October, 2018 at the Institute Auditorium in the presence of bidders or their representatives.  Please, ensure that you sign the Bid Submission Register in the office of Office of the Director of Procurement, 3rd Floor, PDD Building, Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi, Lagos, as the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi will not be held liable for misplaced or wrongly submitted bids.  For further enquiries, please contact the “08104374709” on e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..   Only Prequalified bidders at technical evaluation will be invited at a later date for financial bid opening, while bids of unsuccessful bidders will be returned un-opened.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

  1. Letter Authorizing FIIRO to make enquires about any information supplied by the Company.
  2. No bidder should bid for more than Two (2) Lots
  3. Evidence of Purchase or Lease of relevant Equipment / Facilities of Firm for the execution of the contract.
  4. Any other information that will be useful in determine the firm’s competence
  5. Bidder or their representatives and other interested Organizations / General Public are by this notice invited to witness the event
  6. Only firms that comply with regulatory requirements would be considered
  7. Late submission will not be accepted
  8. Bidder shall be responsible for all expenses incurred in the preparation of their Bids
  9. Failure to satisfactorily fulfill the conditions as requested above will result to the invalidation of such Tender
  10. FIIRO reserve the right to verify the authenticity of claim(s) made by any tendering Company
  11. FIIRO shall reserve the right to reject any submission based on unverifiable information

Please note that this exercise place no commitment on FIIRO nor establishes any legal relationship whatsoever.

The Institute’s website, E-mail address and Phone number are as follows:

E-mail Address: - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: -www.fiiro.gov.ng

Tel: - 08104374709

Signed

MANAGEMENT

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COMMUNIQUE AT THE 1ST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ALTERNATE SWEETENERS 2018

The International Research Network on Alternate Sweeteners (interRNAS) in collaboration with Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO) and Lagos State University (LASU) Ojo, held its 1st International Conference on Alternate Sweeteners at FIIRO between Monday December 3rd and Wednesday December 5th, 2018. The theme of the conference was “Harnessing the potentials of THAUMATIN (Thaumatococcus danielli) in Africa”


The conference was attended by about 200 participants encompassing professionals that have worked extensively on the propagation and processing of Thaumatin. The welcome address was delivered by the host, Director-General/CEO FIIRO, Prof. (Mrs) Gloria N. Elemo while the introductory remark on the objectives of the conference was given by the convener of the conference and coordinator of interRNAS, Prof. B.O. Elemo, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos. Professor Maurice Iwu (President, Bioresources Development Group, BDG), chaired the opening ceremony of the conference. The keynote address was given by Professor Abidemi Paul Kappo (President South African Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) from the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Zululand, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa.

The plenary papers were presented by Mr. Ravindra Shah, Director of HITECH Specialties Solution Pvt, Food & Health Care Division, India, on “Production and Commercialization of Alternate Sweeteners: Potentials and Challenges”; Prof S. N Chinedu, Department of Biochemistry, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, Canaan Land, Otta, Ogun State on “Industrial Utilization and application of Thaumatococcus danielli”; Dr. O. B Adu, Department of Biochemistry, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos on “Health implications of Thaumatococcus danielli and its production” and Prof. A. A. Jayeola, Department of Botany, University of Ibadan on “Agronomy and Biotechnology of Thaumatococcus danielli”.

There was also a panel of discussion on the topic “Processing and Scale-up Production of Thaumatin from Thaumatococcus danielli”. The discussants were Dr. C. C. Igwe, Director, Chemical, Fibre and Environmental Technology (CFET) Department, FIIRO and Dr. W. B. Asiru, Director, Project Design and Development (PDD) Department.

Also present at the epoch making conference were: Director-General/CEO, Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) Dr. Hussaini Ibrahim represented by Mr. Mohammed Sheriff Musa and Prof. O. Magbegbeola, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos (CMUL), Idi-Araba, Lagos.

The conference focused on Thaumatin, the protein from Thaumatococcus danielli as a major alternate sweetener/flavovour enhancer with positive health implications and huge economic potentials for Nigeria and Africa at large. At the conference, the under-listed were observed:

  1. That, interRNAS is an organization formed to serve the interests of Academicians, Industrialists, Scientists, Engineers, Entrepreneurs and others, in the broad area of alternate sweeteners to create a platform for interactions with these groups and government, society and the general public with a view to promoting the economic importance of local sweeteners through organized conferences, workshops, seminars and exhibitions towards the healthy utilization of alternate sweeteners.
  2. That, the plant Thaumatococcus danielli is a natural source for the production of Thaumatin but now endangered, going fast into extinction and should therefore be conserved and its propagation promoted.
  3. That, there is need for Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders to embark on spatial mapping and data mining of Thaumatococcus danielli; promote its development and utilization as a source of raw materials for industrial use in Nigeria.
  4. That, there is need for advocacy to government on the potentials, benefits and the economic value of Thaumatococcus danielli and this should be extended to the rural communities.
  5. That, it is crucial for governments (Federal, State and Local) in Nigeria to fund research on indigenous knowledge and technology in Thaumatococcus danielli for national development.
  6. That, there is need for interRNAS to come up with a strategic plan for processing and product-development that will hasten the engineering design and application of Thaumatococcus danielli for industrial use.

Recommendations:

In view of the above observations, the conference recommends the following that:

  1. RMRDC should collaborate with other relevant agencies to ensure the conservation and propagation of Thaumatococcus danielli.
  2. Based on the available research findings, government as a matter of urgency through FIIRO with other relevant stakeholders should fund the scaling up of Thaumatococcus danielli processing to industrial level.
  3. interRNAS should be the hub of harnessing proposals and research findings on Thaumatococcus danielli.
  4. The Federal Ministry of Science and Technology as the parent Ministry and the custodian of the National policy on Science, Technology and Innovations should coordinate and fund researches in Thaumatococcus danielli.
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FIIRO’S RESEARCH OFFICER SELECTED AS A 2018 MANDELA WASHINGTON FELLOW FOR THE YOUNG AFRICAN LEADERS INITATIVE (YALI)

Oluwaseun Ruth Ishola is a research officer in the Nutraceutical, Aromatic and Pesticidal Plant (NAPP’s) division of the Chemical, Fiber and Environmental Technology (CFET) department at the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO).


She has over seven years experience conducting research and development projects in Nigeria. Oluwaseun has led and worked in various multidisciplinary research teams, focusing on adding value to underutilized and locally available agricultural raw materials for food and non-food utilization. Through her research outputs, she has created value chain systems with the potential to promote economic inclusion of marginalized groups such as unemployed youths and women. She has a Masters’ in Human Nutrition from the University of Ibadan and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Bowen University, Iwo.

In 2016, Oluwaseun was selected as the sole representative for Nigeria for the Young Professional Internship Program (YPIP) of the West African Health Organization (WAHO), during which she acquired regional experience managing issues related to nutrition and child survival. In 2017 she was nominated as one of the top thirty innovators for North and West Africa in the Gender in Agribusiness Investments in Africa (GAIA) organized by the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD).

In recognition of her work and contributions toward driving socio-economic impact in her country and region, Oluwaseun was recently selected as one of seven hundred young African leaders for the Mandela Washington Fellowship (MWF) 2018.

The MWF for Young African Leaders is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) by the U.S. Department of State which empowers young people through academic coursework, leadership training, and networking.

The fellowship received 11,000 applications from Nigeria in 2018 out of which 60 were selected.

Under the Public Management track of the fellowship, Oluwaseun attended a six week academic training at the Maxwell School of Public Management and International Relations, Syracuse University, New York where she acquired extensive knowledge, skills and competencies in public management.

At the end of the academic training, she proceeded for a three day summit at Washington DC where she was awarded a certificate of completion by the Department of State. These exposures qualify Oluwaseun as an alumnus of Maxwell School, Syracuse University and a Mandela Washington Fellow. Going forward, her vision is to have her research findings influence public sector policies with a sustainable impact on the health and development sectors in Nigeria and Africa at large.

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