By Seun Adams
The Federal Government has indicated strong interest to collaborate with the Republic of Cuba on the development of Bio-technology for food security and pharmaceutical production.
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu made this known when the Ambassador of Cuba to Nigeria, Ms. Clara Pulido Escadell, paid him a courtesy visit in his office on Monday in Abuja.
Onu said Nigeria which has a large youthful population as compared to other developed countries will accelerate the development of the country especially in the areas of Bio-technology.
According to him, Nigerian youths at home and in the diaspora, have reached the peak of their careers in various technological endeavours and that with the necessary acquisition of biotechnology skills they are capable of taking Nigeria to greater heights in food and pharmaceutical sustainability.
On tackling food security, the Federal Government has assured that Nigeria is no longer one of the largest importers of rice, but has emerged as one of the largest producers and exporters of rice in Africa.
Further on Nigeria’s efforts at biotechnology development, Dr. Onu said that the cultivation of yam is not just for food but also as a raw material for industries.
Onu assured the Cuban envoy of Nigeria’s collaboration and close working relationship with them.
Earlier, the Ambassador, said her visit is to discuss Nigeria’s participation at the forthcoming International Conference Bio Habana 2022, slated to be held in Cuba from 25th-29th April, 2022.
She also discussed the relationship between the two nations and hailed the tremendous opportunities that abound in Nigeria.
Mr. Afonja Ajibola, DD PRESS, FMSTI, signed the statement on behalf of the Ministry.