By Victoria Onyisi
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Uche Nnaji, has said that the Federal Government’s effort to diversify the country’s economy will be achieved through the application of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) as one of the major platforms in transforming the country from a resource to knowledge based economy.
The Minister, who was represented by his Technical Adviser on Strategy and Programmes, Prof. Nnonyelugo Ike-Muonso, at the kick-off conference for the Development of the Science and Technology Park and the Museum Project on Saturday in Abuja.
According to the Minister, globally science and technology park will help to transform the country’s economy by enhancing industrial competitiveness, adding that the park is also a hub of research development and innovation that will nurture talents and foster technological start-ups for wealth creation and poverty alleviation.
The Minister further stressed that the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu underscores the significance of STI as an instrument in achieving these national objectives through the establishment of Science Park and Museum.
Nnaji, reiterated the commitment of the Ministry towards achieving the National Science, Technology and Innovation Roadmap (NSTIR) 2030 to consolidate the past and present national plans with the intention to leverage STI as a major pillar for the country’s sustainable economic development.
To this end, he said that the revised STI policy of 2022 has tasked the Ministry to foster collaboration among Federal and State government’s agencies to promote Science, Technology and Innovation application across various sectors of the economy.
Speaking, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Nyesom Wike who was represented by the Director Information Communication Technology (ICT) Mr. Nwafor Austine, said that with the development of the Science and Technology Park, the country has taken the first step towards brighter and more innovative technological advancement.
He also added that the S&T Park represents a remarkable endeavour that will catalyze Innovation and research, bringing together the brightest dream on STI.
Speaking also, the Chairman, House Committee on Science, Innovation and Technology, Hon. Musa Dachung Bagos said that to move technology and innovation to its basis, the right leader must occupy the right position to drive technology to greater heights in achieving the desired national development.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Across Atlantic Development UK (Africa Silicon Valley), Dr. David Appolus, said the vision of the organisation is to create a just and sustainable world in which everyone can live a prosperous and dignified life within the earth’s natural resources using science, innovation and Stem as a yardstick towards measuring growth and prosperity across boundaries.
He further said that the organization is dedicated to expanding the horizon of youth empowerment, adding that the science park is to ensure that we transform our innovative ideas to reality.