By JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
Experts in research, production and distribution of polymeric materials converged on Kaduna for the 5th International Conference with the aim of proffering far-reaching measures capable of charting a brighter and sustainable future for the industry in Nigeria and beyond.
The Technical Conference, the 33rd of its kind to be hosted in Nigeria, had experts drawn from various research institutes, manufacturing and distribution industries such as; Polymer Institute of Nigeria, Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology, Raw Material Research and Development Council, Kaduna State University among others.
In his keynote address, President Polymer Institute of Nigeria, Professor Emmanuel Osabohien while acknowledging some challenges associated with the business of polymer in Nigeria, mainly due to technical, mechanical and economic constraints, expressed optimism in a brighter future if younger generations of scientists and technologists were inculcated adequately by veterans in the field so they could take over from the older crops for Sustainability.
He disclosed that the institute since it came into existence in 1991 had led and spearhead a number of research around cutting edge technology which according to him gave birth to innovation and modern ideas of polymer and associated materials.
While drawing the attention of stakeholders in the industry to environmental hazards posed by irresponsible usage of polymeric Materials, the scientist enjoined the conference attendees to be advocate of decent and eco-friendly production and consumption of polymer materials.
The host of the conference and vice chancellor of Kaduna State University Abdullahi Musa posited that the industry was in need of innovative ideas and result oriented approach in order to outwit potential competitors and stand the test of time.
The university don in his goodwill message on behalf of Governor Uba Sani who couldn’t make it to the gathering expressed optimism in a positive future and assured stakeholders of a friendly environment in Kaduna State where polymeric manufacturing and production would thrive.
Chairman of the occasion, Chief Executive Officer of Raw Materials Research and Development Council Prof. H.D. Ibrahim in his remarks urged stakeholders to explore latest trend in polymer research and development, this according to him would keep them afloat and ahead of their peers in other climes.
While calling for commitment to sustainability, Prof. Ibrahim charged researchers and manufacturers of polymeric materials to ensure products shunned out to the consumers aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
He encouraged participants to take full advantage of the unique opportunity of interfacing with experts from across the globe to share meaningful insights and foster collaborations that would foster a prosperous future for polymeric materials.
He revealed that the institute under his administration had initiated a competition among Polymer researchers in the country where best three researchers were given awards to encourage Innovation and ingenuity.