Daji Sani in Yola
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology has expressed the ministry determination to resolve the country’s economic challenges through concerted efforts through meaningful research and development activities and programmes in relevant areas of the economy.
The minister made the remarks yesterday at the inauguration ceremony of the acquired and renovated Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO) North East Zonal Office in Yola, Adamawa State.
Nnaji, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Esaubana Nko Asanye, added that it is important that we make good use of the abundant natural and human resources in each of the political wards in the country.
He said there would be no meaningful development without the application of the innovation, science and technology sector, which is the fulcrum of innovative and technological advancement.
“We as a country must pay good attention to this sector if we want to advance technologically,” he said.
According to him, the ministry, having realised the role of science and technology in socio-economic development and sustainability, has carried out many research and development activities using indigenous raw materials in all the relevant sectors of the economy such as Industrial Growth, Metrology, Human Capital Development, Health, Job Creation and others.
He said: “I would like to mention that we are not relenting in our efforts in industrialisation of our dear country using the science and technology apparatus.
“This is manifested in the establishment of technology and innovation centres across the six geo political zones of the country and technology incubation centres in all the states of the federation as well as concluded plans on the establishment of centres excellence for welding engineering and technology in the six geo political zones of the country.
“These will support the development of indigenous capacities in these key areas of our development as we are in dire needs of them to succeed innovatively.”
The minister said his ministry has keyed into utilising innovation as the available option for economic development through the development of many policies in the sector.
The minister said the North-east region is known for its economic activities which include farming, fishing, livestock production, especially in cattle, sheep, and goat, and many factories operating within the region.
He added: “The zone is equally blessed with many minerals deposit and there is the need to properly harness and utilise them in the development of the region.
“I charge us to make good use of this edifice in the promotion and application of these available resources geared towards our transition from consumption to production economy making the country to save foreign exchange.”
In her welcome remarks, the Director-General of FIIRO in charge of North East Office, Dr. Jummai Tutuwu Adamu, said the agency is pursuing its mandate of accelerating industrialisation in Nigeria.
He called on the states to take advantage of the agency situated in their zone to develop the economic activities of their state.
