Onu Arrives Australia for 68th International Astronautical Congress

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
The Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, has arrived Adelaide, Australia to attend the 68thInternational Astronautical Congress (IAC).

The Deputy Director of Press, Mr. Abdul-Ganiyu Aminu, disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, noting that the congress with the theme ‘Unlocking Imagination, Fostering Innovations and Strengthening Security,’ is attracting all space actors who are discussing the latest space developments, enjoying multiple networking opportunities with current potential.

He said Nigeria might table for discussion its various initiatives on science, technology and innovation with a view to gaining fresh insights from other countries but ultimately its scientific exploits would be guided on its own needs and socio- economic situation.

Aminu revealed that the minister is expected to deliver a paper on the “Role of Science and Technology and Innovation in Shaping Future Society,” the recently launched Science and Technology Road Map, the National Consultative Competiveness in Raw Materials and Products Development in Nigeria.

“This national strategy is a fact- based framework designed to harness the potentials of the country’s research development (R&D) institutes in partnership with industries and business, to fast-rack and redirect the high –way to orderly economic recovery, double digit growth and sustainable development,” he said.
Similarly, the minister would also be attending the 14th Science and Technology Minister’s Roundtable in Kyoto, Japan between October 1 and 3, 2017.

The forum would provide a platform to engender global collaboration and synergy in the field of science and technology ideas, insights, experiences on science and technology, research and innovation learning curve of 21st century in developing countries will constitute highlights of the forum.

The forum, which is an annual event since 2004, would attract ministers and science experts worldwide and would exchange views on science technology and innovation trends.
Aminu stressed that a new technological concept called “Society 5.0” is also going to be tabled for discussion.

“It is a concept proposal by Japan of an advanced, futuristic, and human-centred society in which the integration of cyber space and physical space is to be realised by taking advantage of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IOT), robotics and big data, fields in which Japan had made significant in-road.”