The Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) Ilorin has received applauds for impacting  meaningfully on its immediate environment through it’s proven technologies.

The Technical Assistant (Agriculture) to the Kwara State Governor, MR. Abdul Qawiy Olododo gave the commendation while commissioning the fish processing centre constructed by the Institute for the Araromi-Ipo community in Irepodun local government area of Kwara State.

The Technical Assistant asserted that NSPRI boss through its various interventions such as construction of grain dryers, portable storage facilities, training and retraining of farmers across the state moved the country nearer to achieving food sufficiency.

In his address of welcome, the Executive Director of NSPRI, DR. Patricia Pessu noted that the benefit of fish processing is constrained in traditional practices. This include contamination in unkempt processing environment, poor sanitation and hygiene in the use of equipment and personnel and drudgery of fish smoking sitting at the fire place with lots of smoke in excess of requirement for flavouring, manifesting in high Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) content above allowable limit.

Represented by the Director, Perishable Crops Research Department in the Institute, Dr. Adeola Oyebanji, the NSPRI boss declared that the Institute’s smoking kilns in the processing centre have been designed, constructed and provided with needed facilities including water supply and electricity wiring to support improved handling activities.

She therefore enjoined the benefitting community to make judicious use of the centre in order to boost fish processing and enhance their socio- economic status.

The community Baale, Chief Oyewole David Oparinola, the leader of the fish smoking stakeholders, MR. Babatunde Ilufoye and the coordinator of the Justice Development and Peace Mission, Rural Developmental Programme Rev.Fr. Emmanuel Ekundayo appreciated the Institute for opening  the centre for use.