There is a new invention in Nigeria, a bitterleaf processing machine. The invention is courtesy of a 16-year old schoolboy in Anambra State named Dikanna Onuigbo.
The SS3 student of Community Secondary School, Okpuno, was accompanied by his father on September 5th, 2018, as he demonstrated the machine to the Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr Nkem Okeke.
Other dignitaries present at the unveiling are the Anambra State Commissioner for Agriculture, Honorable Afam Mbanefo, the Commissioner for Lands, Honorable Nnamdi Onukwuba, the Executive Director of the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency, Dr Amobi Ifediora, etc.
Commenting on his invention, Dikanna said he was inspired by the desire to reduce the stress associated with the mechanical and difficult method of processing the leafy vegetable with hands.
This is the first time in the history of Nigeria that anyone has ever invented an easier way of processing bitterleaf which is a major condiment for the preparation of different types of soup in Anambra State and other parts of the country. It is, therefore, unsurprisingly a positive development.
In the meantime, the young man is hoping to patent his invention and secure funding towards commercialising it.
Meanwhile, the very impressed Deputy Governor expressed delight over the young boy’s ingenious invention. He also stated that the Anambra State Government will avail the boy the opportunity to study Mechanical Engineering at any university of his choice. The state will also patent the bitterleaf processing machine.
16 years old SS3 student of Community Sec. Schl Okpuno, Awka South LGA of Anambra State, Dikanna Onuigbo, has invented the machine that processes bitter leaves (Onugbu), to abolish the old time-wasting hand process.
The state Government gave him scholarship to study Engineering. pic.twitter.com/D4TzuSKmsB— IGBO History & Facts (@IgboHistoFacts) September 10, 2018
Nigeria has been experiencing a new wave of entrepreneurship in recent times, as many citizens try their best to create jobs, combat unemployment and better the country’s lot. It is, therefore, interesting to see that even teenagers are getting in on this imperative.
