By Frank Momoh
The Ambassador of Israel to Nigeria, Mr. Yotam Kreiman, has assured that his country is ready and committed to supporting innovative Nigerian Youths in transforming their ideas to inventions.
The knowledge, he said will help drive inclusive and viable industrialization in Africa.
Meanwhile the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu has commended the efforts of the Ambassador for their commitment in supporting the development of Nigeria through the investment in Nigerian youths.
The Minister who represented the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo said this at the “2020/21 grand finale event exhibition programme held during the weekend in Abuja.
This was contained in a statement made available to the media quoted the Minister as saying that that the initiative was created through the partnership with the embassy of Israel, ‘Skill G Innovation center’ and the Nigerian Government to establish an ecosystem of innovation aimed at identifying potentials, as well as prospects and successes that will help to transform Nigeria economy from resource based to knowledge-based economy.
He further said that hard work, creativity and commitment on the part of the participants, experts and partners who have played a key role in bringing innovative ideas to reality, shall go a long way in sustaining the nation’s economy.
Onu commended the Ambassador of Israel to Nigeria for sharing their knowledge of innovation stressing that the relationship between the two countries should continue to grow from strength to strength.
He congratulated the 21 youths selected out of 100 participants to use the knowledge acquired in ‘I’- Fair 2020/21 Innovation in transforming the ideas into inventions.
He said the ministry will play a very important role in making sure that the country realizes this “I Fair Innovation” by partnering with the Israeli’s.
He said “The problems we see today concerning our country should not scare us, our goal is to work hard to make sure Nigeria becomes a great nation in the future.”
In another development, the Minister said that Nigeria needs more people of impeccable characteristic, to be role models for Nigerian youths, so as to inspire them to greatness.
Onu gave the admonishment at the centenary celebration of Dr. Michael Okpara leadership awards book presentation and lecture, during the week.
The Minister who was the chairman of the occasion, said that the leadership qualities of the late Dr. Michael Okpara, was visionary and a “gift of God” to the people of the South-east and by extension Nigeria as a whole.
He said that Nigeria could grow to be one of the fastest growing economies in the world, adding that the application of human capital resources will add value to Nigeria’s socio-economic growth.
The scion of the Okpara family Chief Uzodinma Okpara, who gave the welcome address at the event, said that the late sage built one of the fastest growing economies in the world, while at the helm of affairs at the then Eastern region of Nigeria.
On women and children, Onu also in another occasion acknowledged the good work of International Federation of women Lawyers (FIDA) in tackling the problems of women and children in the areas of abuse and manipulation of human right.
The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Edet Sunday Akpan appreciated FIDA for acknowledging the mandate of the Ministry and its activities in repositioning Nigeria to be a knowledge driven economy.
The Permanent Secretary assured them that the Ministry will do its best to advance the cause of the ministry.