By Frank Momoh
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu has advocated for the use of Afro centric technological innovations, to exploit the nation’s natural resources and boost the country’s economic fortunes.
Dr. Onu made this known when he received the management of STK BIOTECH, led by its CEO, Engr. Stanley Ukaga.
STK BIOTECH, according to a statement signed by Ifeoma Irondi, on behalf of the Ministry’s Head of Media, Josephine Ademu, said the is an indigenous company that has developed breakthrough products for the treatment of infectious and non-infectious diseases, as well as the treatment and management of COVID-19.
Afro centric technology according to Onu will help exploit the nations natural resources and get a breakthrough in finding solutions to cure various disease ravaging the world.
He further stated that this was the reason why Executive Order 5 was signed by President Muhammadu Buhari, to build a knowledge-based economy.
He charged the nations scientists and professionals to go further into clinical trials to enable them have influence not only in Africa but globally.
The Minister expressed satisfaction that the Ministry’s agencies are into research and that is why FMSTI is ready to collaborate with them to ensure that Nigeria can be a leading nation in area of disease cure.
The minister also commended STK biochemical group for their various achievements and assured them that the Ministry will collaborate with them in order to find solutions and cure to various diseases, ranging from COVID-19, and others.
Earlier, the director of production, STK BIOTECH Prof. Kenneth Yongabi informed the Minister that the essence of their visit is to seek the ministry’s collaboration in Afro Centric Technology and to forge ahead with their clinical trials so as to get solutions to diseases ravaging the country.
He further emphasised the need for development of indigenous models for scientific innovations.