Developing The Science, Technology And Innovation Sector Is The Surest Way For Nigeria To Attain Greatness – Ekwunife

KINGSLEY UBANI

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Science and Technology, Senator Uche Ekwunife, has stated that developing the Science, Technology and Innovation sector is the surest way for Nigeria to attain greatness and be recognized amongst the comity of nations.

Ekwunife said this on Monday, 15th March, 2021, at the opening ceremony of the 2021 Technology and Innovation Expo in Abuja.

The ceremony was declared open by the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON. The theme of the expo was: Science, Technology and Innovation for Economic Recovery and Sustainability Amidst Covid-19 challenges.

Speaking to newsmen, Ekwunife noted that the science and technology sector is the only sector that cuts across all aspects of life: entertainment, sports, health, agriculture, education amongst others. She stated that with the right policies and programmes the sector will drive the Nigerian economy to an amiable height.

“The significance of utilizing science and technology in industrialization for sustainable development is critical to nation building. This is why the Federal Government of Nigeria has put in place, institutions and mechanisms for sustainable exploitation of the knowledge resource that will enhance rapid socio-economic development of the country. Developing the Science, Technology and Innovation sector is not optional for the country, it is the surest way for Nigeria to attain greatness and be recognized amongst the comity of nations.”

Ekwunife commended President Buhari for his support towards the growth of the sector, she however, stated that more need to be done to establish the science and technology sector as a key sector for the economic growth and development of the nation.

The Federal Lawmaker commended the foresight and ingenuity of the Honourable Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu and the Honourable Minister of State, Science and Technology, Barr. Mohammed H. Abdullahi, in highlighting the scientific and technological advancement and products of our local entrepreneurs.

The Senator urged well-meaning Nigerians to encourage the sector, government at all levels to make favourable polices and the private sector to invest more resources in the “very important” sector. She further urged researchers to embark on science and tech need based research, and called on all Nigerians to patronize products and services of the sector.

Dignitaries at the event included, Minister of Science Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu; Minister of State Science and Technology, Barr. Mohammed H. Abdullahi; Minister of State Mines and Steel Development, Dr Uche Ogah; Minister of State Education, Hon Emeka Nwajiuba; Minister of State Environment, Mrs Sharon Ikeazor; Minister for Women Affairs, Paulen Talen; Deputy Governor of Nassarawa state, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe; Senator Kola Balogun; members of the national assembly; heads of agencies and technology institutes amongst others.