BY COMMODORE YAHAYA OWUNA (rtd)
Very soon, the lithium processing plant, built by the Chinese firm, Ganfeng Lithium Industry Ltd, would be commissioned. The 4,000 metric tons per day plant, strategically located at Kama Otto, at the outskirts of Nasarawa town would be the first and largest of its kind in the country.
It would be overstating the obvious that, lithium as a mineral is increasingly becoming a major component of the lithium battery, the world is hungry for.
Lucky enough, Nasarawa State has become a harbinger for our economic diversification through solid mineral sector.
Yes, Nasarawa has become the bellwether for lithium in Nigeria. Fortunately, this first endeavour is but a little scratch of the surface. Because much more lies in the belly of this mineral endowed zone of the State.
This is why we must convince the President to find time out of his busy schedule to commission this lithium plant himself.
This would serve three purposes. Firstly, it could encourage the international investors to do more with the belief that the President of Nigeria is solidly behind them.
Secondly, the coming of the President would give him a bird’s eye view of the mineral rich landscape. Thirdly, it would afford the President an opportunity of seeing the dilapidated Nasarawa-Keffi road. We have lamented, protested and even cried about this vital route that connects the north central to the south-east and other southern parts of country. If I were the President, I would demand not only immediate work on this 35 km road but give approval for its upgrade to a four lane road, because very soon the road would witness higher traffic volume.
The alternative would be unpalatable if the road is left in its present condition. Any major downpour could render this vital link impassable.
Commodore Yahaya (rtd) writes from Nassarawa town of Nasarawa state!
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