BIODEC IMO

Center Overview

Bioresources development Centre Okwudor, Imo State, was created in 2017 in a bid to harness the bio resources in different habitat and ecosystem types in Nigeria. These habitats and ecosystem types comprises a high number of unexplored flowering plants, orchids, ferns, gymnosperms, algae, fungi, lichens and bryophytes. These habitats and ecosystem described above are home to mammals, birds, reptiles, fishes, non-human primates, microorganisms and innumerable species of insects and other invertebrates. These rich flora and fauna form rich genetic resources useful for human population.

In other to properly harness and develop these resources through research and development using biotechnological tools, the centre has areas of focus broken into 5 divisions, viz: animal resources; plant resources; microbial resources; eco-restoration, bioenergy and biofuel; and bioenterpreneurship, training and services. Among the divisions are branches, sections and units of which Bioresources Database & Bioinformatics unit is worthy of mention.

Center Objectives

  1. To set up state of the art biotechnology research facility at Okwudor, Imo State.
  2. To study and document the unique biodiversity and bioresources of Imo state and southeast
  3. To commercially exploit biodiversity in such a way that funds are generated for conservation efforts.
  4. To undertake biotechnological interventions for sustainable development and utilization of bioresources in Imo state, southeast and Nigeria.
  5. To generate employment packages for employment generation and economic progress of Imo state, southeast and Nigeria.
  6. To undertake capacity building in bioresources conservation, development and utilization.
  7. To collaborate with other institutions in further research pursuits in bioresources development.

Center Research Capacity

  1. The centre outsources sample data generation to her sister agency’s next generation state of the art laboratory at Odi, bayelsa state, at the moment but analyses data in-house
  2. The centre has Entomologist, Parasitologist, Biochemist, Microbiologist, Marine biologist, Crop scientist, Biotechnologist, Soil scientist, Industrial chemist, Chemical engineer, Lab scientist, Electrical engineer, Mechanical engineer, Civil engineers, Food technologists, Agric bioresource engineers, Environmental engineer and Public health experts.

List of Bioresources Identified:

  1. Palm
  2. Cashew
  3. Snail
  4. Medicinal plants
  5. Fermented foods
  6. Oil bean
  7. Insects (edible and vectors/pests)
  8. Cassava
  9. Cattle
  10. Grass cutter
  11. Goats, sheep, etc.
  12. Rabbits
  13. Yam,
  14. Akidi
  15. Bread fruit (ukwa)
  16. Plantain and banana
  17. Vegetables – fluted pumpkin, etc.
  18. fresh water fishes
  19. Birds