The Executive Secretary, Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF) Dr. (Mrs.) Alice Atuwo, has reaffirmed EDTF’s continued support for the Bayelsa Suya Domestication Project to attain world recognition.

Hon. Tobias James who represented the Executive Secretary at the Second Bayelsa Suya Domestication training workshop at the University of Africa, Toru-Orua in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State said, the Suya Domestication Project has great potentials for the sustenance and development of humans and society.

According to Dr. Atuwo, the EDTF had intervened in some areas of need in the University and urged the researchers and the trainees to take advantage of the workshop to achieve the needed scientific knowledge towards impacting lives of the people and the economy of the State.

She further expressed gratitude and commendation to the research team for the wonderful job done towards the projection of the image of EDTF, UAT and Bayelsa State through the Suya Domestication Project.

In his remarks, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Professor Barclays Ayakoroma, represented by the Dean, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Professor John Alred-Ockiya expressed appreciation to the EDTF for the bold gesture in sponsoring the Bayelsa Suya Domestication Project.

According to him, with the modernization of the Suya Project, it would be a source of livelihood for many families as well as an agent of degradation of environmental waste.

He further urged the trainees to take the workshop seriously by acquiring the technical knowledge to better their lot and the society.

Earlier, in his welcome remarks, the leader of the research team, Professor, Dr. Mansi El-Mansi represented by Olumide Afolabi said, the workshop was geared towards selecting lab farmers as well as the collective efforts in promoting food security through mass rearing of the Domesticated Bayelsa Suya.

According to Professor El-Mansi, the Bayelsa Suya Project is migrating from small cottage rearing to mass production for human consumption and industrial usage.

He further highlighted some of the benefits to include the production of the cellulose for the production of wines, textiles, papers as well as clearing hang-overs and medicinal for pregnant women.

The lead researcher expresses gratitude to the EDTF for sponsoring the project and assured that, the workshops would be utilized as a platform to enrich their experiences and skills to better the economy of the State and wider society