By Emma Elekwa, Onitsha

Minister for Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu has reassured of preparedness to reposition Nigeria in science and technology for wealth creation and global competition.

He revealed Nigeria had made unprecedented improvement in technological advancement in several fields capable of transforming her into the first technologically advanced nation in the African continent.

Onu spoke weekend in Nnewi, Anambra while commiserating with family of late Major General Samuel Momah (rtd) who was laid to rest in his Umudim country home.

Late Momah was the Minister for Science and Technology between 1995 and 1999.

He said: “We’re working strategically to reposition Nigeria in science and technology for wealth creation and global competition to make the country, as the largest market, the first technologically advanced nation in the African continent.”

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Describing late Momah as great, intelligent and perfect gentleman who contributed immensely to the growth of Science and Technology Ministry during his time, Onu noted that the best way to immortalize him was to make sure his dreams and ideals were actualized.

He also recalled his time with the deceased at the Nigercem, Nkalagu in Enugu State, saying the firm experienced reformation and was profitably enhanced through their efforts.

The Minister, who later paid a condolence visit to the traditional ruler of Nnewi, Igwe Kenneth Orizu III, urged him to bear the loss with fortitude.

He enjoined the bereaved family to take solace in the fact that late Momah would be remembered for all he did for the nation and humanity.

“I knew Momah for over 40 years and had a lot in common with him. I was close to him up to when he rose to the rank of Major General and later became Minister for Science and Technology. Sincerely, the news of his death came to me as a shock,” Onu added.

In his funeral rite, Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Tukur Buratai described the deceased as an articulate, dedicated, loyal and hard-working officer with a good sense of purpose.

Buratai, represented by Major General L.A. Adegboye, said late Momah’s demise was a great loss to the Army, Nigerian nation and his family.

Some of the deceased children, Dr Emeka and Dr Tobe Momah, described their father as a man of discipline who laid solid foundation for his entire children, academically and otherwise.