The age-long dream of prospecting world second largest bitumen deposit in Ondo State is becoming a reality as the exploration of the resources begins.
Conducting newsmen round its processing yard in Irele, an official of the Southwest Bitumen Limited, Mr Oluwatominiyi Adeiya said the needed equipment had been procured for excavation, scooping and processing of the first local bitumen exploitation in Africa.
Mr Adeiya explained that the type of Bitumen in Ondo State was the Tarsand variant requiring specialized technology for its processing into asphalt
He maintained that an end to Nigeria importing the product was in sight as the company’s processing plant attained its full capacity.
Mr Adeiya added that bitumen would be ready within the year for interested local off-takers across with over 500,000metric tonnes annually.
Describing the project as a dream come true, the Ondo Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Donald Ojogo said Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu had again actualized one of his key promises of exploiting the state’s natural resources for the well-being of the people.
Mr Ojogo and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Development and Investment, Mr Boye Oyewumi however pleaded with the exploration company to ensure a cordial relationship with the host community while the host community too would be encouraged to accommodate the company.
Olorunferanmi Odofin
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