By Hillary Asemota
The Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Prof. Mohammed Sani Haruna, has said advocated that massive investment in manufacturing- based economy through investing in Science, Technology, Innovation and Infrastructural development will produce the much-needed solution to the present security challenges besetting Nigeria.
According to him, a manufacturing-based economy, will keep the youth productive and engaged.
He said: “The only long-lasting solution to the present security challenges and other socio-economic problems facing the country is to deliberately build a manufacturing-based economy that could engage the teeming youths.”
He acknowledged that all the countries that had recorded economic growth did it through creativity, application of intellect, knowledge and technical know-how and not from their natural resources, adding…an idle hand is the devil’s workshop.
The NASENI boss, spoke while declaring open the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institution (NASU) regular meeting of the Research and Projects Trade Group Council (RPTGC) held at NASENI Headquarters in Abuja.
he noted that many of the developed countries of the world had no natural resources but had evolved into enviable economies through investment in research and development or by discreet use of technologies to explore other nations’ natural resources while they (developed countries) concentrated on development of their own citizens’ talents, creative ingenuities and technical know-how.
Expressing his gratitude to NASU for choosing NASENI to host the meeting, he explained further, adding: “This is the meeting of research and
development institutions which are the singular solution to insecurity, lack of infrastructure and poverty eradication.
“All materials for construction of roads, building of infrastructure are based on technical know-how are available in Nigeria.
“We can eradicate poverty if we look beyond our natural resources and work with research and development institutions.
“But NASENI cannot do it alone, we need collaboration and synergy with allied institutions.”
He said that the solution to all the problems facing Nigeria is in home-grown technology, integration and reverse engineering, stating that China was able to develop COVID 19 Vaccine because of their knowledge and technology.
Haruna, however urged NASU to continue to tow the path of peace in solving all disputes as it was the only way to get government to do more than what they promised as well as support research and development projects of their various institutions.
In his address, the Deputy President of NASU, Comrade Henry Okoyomon, said that the regular meeting, no doubt, would afford the Union opportunity to rub minds on very topical issues bordering on welfare and well-being of members with a view to improve their standard of living.
On insecurity, he said the current situation in the country was alarming and disturbing and called on the federal government to take drastic measures in addressing the issue and other challenges such as inadequate power supply, bad roads, and the imminent fuel subsidy removal.
Also, speaking, the Chairman of NASU, NASENI Branch, Comrade Tongshaka Nenfot Joel, who highlighted the achievements of the Union said the hosting by NASENI branch was another positive feather added to NASENI as a body.
Mrs. Chinyere Ekwuazi, of the Media and Public Relations Department, signed the press statement on behalf of the Deputy Director, Mr. Segun Ayeoyenikan.
