Olusegun Mimiko, governor of the Stateof Ondo in Nigeria, urged Rubber Estate Nigeria limited to generate power to process its rubber, rather than just exporting 70% of raw rubber product.
Rubber Estate Nigeria limited is a manages over 4,500 hectares of rubber plantation in Araromi Obu in Odigbo Local Government Area.
In his last visit, Mimiko noted that the rubber plantation was managed by Michelin Company, which was producing tyre but relocated to Turkey due to insufficient power supply.
Mimiko pointed out that although the company was helping the state in terms of raw material production and employment (hiring over 160 workers), if it could generate power to process, and produce finished products, it would be good for both the company and the government.
He said more than a thousand hectares of farmland was available for the company to explore while also encouraging the management to protect the local communities and provide them with social amenities.