Mr Ekenedilichukwu Ralph Igwe is a graduate of Federal Polytechnic, Oko. He understands that the essence of education is problem solving and invented a feather plucking machine including other inventions. He believes loudly that it is possible with local technology. He was elated having this conversation with ANAMBRA PEOPLE’S MAGAZINE. Excerpts;
GROWING UP, WERE THERE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT SHAPED YOUR THOUGHT ABOUT BECOMING AN INVENTOR?
I have always been inspired by the attitude of white people and their passion developing new things to make life easier for themselves. And so wherever and whenever I see a task that is physically demanding, I think of ways to make it easier so that human energy can be used for some other ventures. I always think of solutions. It really motivated me to develop something that will help reduce stress of manual de-feathering.
YOU INVENTED AN INCREDIBLE FEATHER PLUCKING MACHINE, WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO INVENT SUCH MACHINE?
When the federal government placed a ban on the importation of frozen birds, I thought it wise to work on something that can increase output per day. I saw an opportunity that needs to be exploited and a value that needs to be created, especially for large scale farmers.
WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO BEGIN THE MASS PRODUCTION OF YOUR FEATHER PLUCKING MACHINE?
For now, I am actually looking for serious partnerships and investors in my venture. I am still a start up and will need some investments to thrive better.
HOW DO YOU WANT GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE INVESTORS TO SUPPORT YOU IN THAT REGARD?
Buying into the idea and embracing the invention is key. It is the foundation of every other investment, the belief that the product is timely, necessary and that it has a lot of values. We will talk about the mass production after that.
WHERE DO YOU GET INSPIRATION FOR ALL YOUR INVENTIONS?
God is the giver of wisdom, but I also read books and watch great men that have done great things in the field of tech.
ARE THERE OTHER INVENTIONS YOU HAVE IN THE OFFING?
Yes, I am currently working on a fueless generator and also a sprinkler irrigation system that relies on solar energy.
RECENTLY, YOU WON ANAMBRA YOUNG INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR, 2020, HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE RECOGNISED FOR YOUR WORK?
I felt fulfilled and motivated to do more. It is like fuel added to my creative passion and I am grateful for that.