FG Describes STI As Key for Economic Recovery
Princess-Ekwi Ajide (ABS Abuja Bureau Chief)
The Federal government of Nigeria has described Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) as the key to economic recovery and growth in the country.
Minister of Science and Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Adeleke Mamora, gave the description during the flag off of National Dialogue on the Establishment and Implementation of Technology and Innovation Centres for Global Competitiveness and Productivity in Abuja.
According to Dr. Adeleke, the economic transformation of the country should be a measure of readiness to move the nation to greater heights so as to achieve sustainable economy in the country.
He noted that the theme of the flag-off “Achieving Nigeria’s Competitiveness and Improved Foreign Exchange Earnings through Science, Technology and Innovation” is very apt, as it will support the monetary, fiscal as well as trade policies of government for a better and improved economy.
The Minister stated that President Muhammadu Buhari led administration had shown improved responses to change, and collaboration among government, investors and firms thereby enhancing social safety net protection and sound financial institutional framework tailored towards economic transformation of the country.
Speaking further, the Minister opined that innovation ecosystems of the country are geared towards generation of ideas, translation into products, and the commercialization of products on a large scale.
The Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh, on his part, said that any country that needs to develop technologically must make a drastic effort and commitment towards developing its indigenous Science, Technology and Innovation (STI ) to enable it look inwards for technological breakthrough.
Earlier, the National Coordinator for Strategy Implementation Task Office for Presidential Executive Order NO 5, Engr. Ibiam Oguejiofor, had said that one of the objectives of the Executive Order No 5 is to propagate the vital role of STI in National Economic Development, particularly, in the area of promoting ‘’made in Nigeria goods and services’’.
In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Bayelsa State,Dr. Promise Ekio called on the Federal government to use Executive Order NO.5 platform to integrate Modular refineries into the system to curb vandalization and oil theft in the oil and gas industries.
A representative of UNESCO regional office, Abuja, Ofure Blessed Aikhakhomon, said that UNESCO is ready to collaborate with the Ministry so as to enhance and sustain the STI goals in the country especially as STI is the key element and a driving force for development
