By Dele Ogbodo
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has said that Innovation, Science and Technology (IST) are the foundations of sustainable development and economic resilience for any nation.
This is coming even as he averred that it plays a vital role in achieving the eight priority areas outlined by President Bola Tinubu.
The minister added that empowering youth and women using Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO) developed technologies, including cassava and potato bread production, mushroom cultivation, cosmetic, date syrup manufacturing, and the conversion of Diesel Generators to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) will contribute to the growth and development of the nation and positively impact on the lives of the citizens.
The Deputy Director/Head, (Information & Public Relations), in the Ministry, Mr. Atuora Obed, in a statement quoted the Minister as saying this at the opening ceremony of the training programme for youth and women organised by the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO), today, in Abuja.
According to Nnaji, “to meet our national goals, our Ministry have established strategic partnerships, signing multiple Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) to leverage Nigeria’s local raw materials and human resources.
By working closely with regional agencies, we utilize our nation’s resources to drive innovation across Nigeria’s Geo-political zones”.
He noted that the Ministry’s Technology and Innovation Centres serve as hubs where Stakeholders in the STI Eco-system come together to enhance research and development application and foster innovation, supporting Nigeria’s movement towards industrial and economic strength, as envisioned in the President Bola Tinubu’s eight points agenda.
The Minister also said that the Ministry is committed to advancing Nigeria’s industrial and technological base, in alignment with President Tinubu’s eight-point agenda which includes fighting poverty, driving economic growth and fostering job creation for national development.
To this end, Nnaji urged all stakeholders to support the young Nigerians by purchasing their product in ensuring their sustainability, adding that prioritizing Nigerian-made goods, as they meet high standards will contribute to national economic growth.
He therefore encouraged the trainees to approach the program with dedication, forming innovation clusters that will promote Nigeria’s transition from a consumption-based to a production driven economy.
Earlier, the Director-General and Chief Executive officer of FIIRO, said IST holds the vital key to present and future development of any nation as it plays a fundamental role in wealth creation, improved quality of life, economic growth and transformation in any society.
She added that the agency has been vigorously pursuing its mandates to ensure that Research and Development (R&D), innovation engagement, ultimately translates into products, goods and services in the market place, thereby creating jobs as well as generating income for an improved economy.
