By Hillary Asemota
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, on Monday, pledged Federal Government’s commitment to establish a research, technology and innovative centre in Edo State and across the other states for increased global competitiveness.
Onu, made the disclosure during a working visit to the Governor of Edo state, Mr. Godwin Obaseki at the Government House in in Benin city, Edo State.
The Head of the Ministry’s Press and PR Team, Josephine Ademu, quoted the Minister in a statement as emphasizing that increased focus especially on home grown solution and driven research will help increase the commercialization of scientific research results.
According to him, Nigerian cannot continue to depend on foreign goods or importation to meet the needs of its teeming population.
While calling for collaboration across sectors and governments, he urged the governor to blaze the trail in activating the state as hub and centre of excellence for local production for goods and services that are needed in the country.
The Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, he stressed has sparked the revolution of innovative driven and knowledge society where Nigerian inventors are currently being rewarded for their research and scientific findings.
The Minister, added that Nigerian goods, services and innovations must be of global standards to meet local demands and encourage exports.
In a remark, Obaseki, said that for government to succeed and deliver on its mandates, all aspects of government must embrace science technology and Innovation.
He further advocated for strengthening and creation of an enabling environment for local (homegrown) Innovators to thrive.
He pledged his administration’s assistance to the development of STI for job creation and empowerment of Nigerians.