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Tag: Minister of Science and Technology

  • Why Nigeria cannot eradicate malaria now, by Onu

    The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu has declared Nigeria can only eradicate malaria completely in the future but not right now.

    He said although Nigeria possesses the bio and nuclear technology that can control and eradicate malaria from its boarders, it can only be sustainable when it is eradicated in the continent as a whole.

    Onu added that the eradication of malaria in Nigeria will not be sustainable because after Nigeria eradicates the mosquito vectors, new ones will simply fly in from border countries.

    The Minister stated these on Tuesday in Abuja, while receiving the report by the technical Committee set up on the proposed national project on the eradication of malaria in Nigeria.

    Read Also: Onu donates science kits to award-winning school

    He said: ” There are many countries in the world that have eradicated malaria but in a country like Nigeria, if we want to eradicate malaria, even if we do it completely in Nigeria at any given time it will not be sustainable because we have so many countries whether it is Cameron, Chad, Niger and Benin Rebublic as boarders and we have other neighbouring countries that mosquitoes can easily fly in from with the parasite and make the achievement not sustainable.

    “For Nigeria to really be free from malaria, we must aim to make sure that the whole of Africa is free.

    “From what this report has indicated, the parasite and the vector are critical in the eradication of malaria.”

    He added: “The issue of eradication of malaria from Nigeria is very important and we need to take the first step, which is what we are doing.

    “It is a long journey, which is going to take many years but we cannot because it is difficult say that it cannot be done, we must take the first step.

    “If others can do it, then yes we can do it. We have the capacity of both bio and nuclear technology that can help us control and eradicate the parasite and the vector.

    “It doesn’t matter how long it takes, what matters is that one day in the future, malaria will be eradicated in Nigeria and Africa so that the eradication in Nigeria will be sustainable.”

  • Abuja tremor: FG predicts further quakes

    The Presidential Committee set up on the recent earth tremor that occurred in Abuja have predicted the possibility of more tremors in the country soon.

    The committee submitted that based on the results obtained using the probability of recurrence theory, the probability of recurrence in the very near future is fairly high in Nigeria.

    Read Also:Earth tremor: Nigerians warned against blasting of rocks

    Chairman of the committee and Director General, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) Prof. Seidu Mohammed said that currently about 110,000 boreholes have been sunk in Abuja with 330,000 metric tonnes of water extracted daily.

    Speaking at the submission of the committees report to the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu in Abuja, Mohammed added that water extraction and recharge imbalance from aquifer is causing hydrogeological instability along the fractures of Abuja.

    He also said that the imbalance is further caused by about 330,000 metric tonnes of water extracted daily from Abuja boreholes.

    His words, “The latest occurred in September 7th of 2018 in Abuja with Mpape as epicenter. These earthquakes may have been of low-magnitudes, it is now certain that earthquake occurrence has become a potential hazard to the nation.

    “The report of the geological, hydrogeological and geotechnical investigations carried out in 1978 by Julius Berger for Abuja identified Mpape as a Shear zone that is weak with several fractures and fault system. Water extraction and recharge imbalance from aquifer is causing hydrogeological instability along the fractures. Currently, there are 110,000 boreholes within Abuja metropolis with about 330, 000 metric tonnes of water extracted daily. This is not sustainable.

    “In the light of the above, the spots and locations identified and considered as earthquake prone areas in Abuja in particular, and Nigeria in general, need to be further studied and continuously monitored. There is also the need to carry out detailed vulnerability studies of the identified seismic hot spots in Nigeria.

    “Based on the results obtained using the probability of recurrence theory, we confirmed that the probability of recurrence in the very near future is fairly high in Nigeria.

    “There is the need to regulate the exploitation of ground water resources of Abuja via indiscriminate sinking of boreholes because this has been the primary reason for the stress build up leading to the Abuja tremors of 5th-7th September, 2018.

    “Government should release fund for the training of Geophysicist, Geologists, Engineers, Technologists and researchers to participate in earth science research, in order to improve our understanding of Nigerian and West African geophysics and tectonics dynamism. We emphasize that this research has crucial societal ‘value as it is evident in earthquake hazard readiness and mitigation.”

    Dr. Onu in his remark said that the committee will continue its research after the submission and asked the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) to develop seismic building code that can resist tremors in future.

  • Fed Govt, LCCI to deepen partnership for economic development

    The Federal Government said it would deepen its relationship with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) to boost the national economy.

    The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, spoke in Abuja when he received the Chamber’s representatives in his office.

    According to him, the aim of such collaboration was to strengthen Private-Public Partnership (PPP) towards national development.

    “Ministry of Science and Technology is at the centre of all economic activities and partnering  the Chamber of Commerce is a right step the country is taking.

    “The Ministry is not only looking for foreign investors, but also local investors and partners that will lead the way for the foreign investors as the country is looking into various areas of technologies.

    “We want the Chamber to come in and take advantage of the work that we have done, to complete our research activities and come up with a product that we can develop further to put in the market. We are willing to give this to you as we want Nigerian firms to take advantage of this,” Onu said.

    The minster said LCCI was not new to science and technology, adding that it had been in existing for 130 years and had been a part of every technology in the country.

    Chairman of Construction and Engineering Group of the LCCI, Mr. Leye Kupoluyi, who led the team, said the chamber had been at the forefront of technologies in Nigeria.

    He, therefore, appealed to the minister to further work with the chamber to advance technology growth.

  • Buhari commissions flood, erosion control project in UNICAL

    President Muhammadu Buhari has commissioned and handed over an erosion and flood control project at the University of Calabar (UNICAL).

    The project was executed by the Federal Government through the Ecological Fund Office in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for the benefit of the University and its environs.

    The President said the project was one of 18 ecological interventions across the six geo-political zones approved by him in the first quarter of 2017 and awarded by the Federal Executive Council on April 5, 2017.

    Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, said the project, which spans about two kilometres, is intended to properly channel waste and flood water into a safe discharge point, thereby preventing erosion and flooding within the University community and hence protect lives and property.

    Read Also:UNICAL lecturer, others in court over certificate forgery allegations

    He said the campus was experiencing serious flooding and environmental degradation, which necessitated prompt intervention from the Federal Government.

    He said the successful completion of the project would stimulate and restore structural integrity of the soil within the University community and reduce dangers to lives and properties associated with erosion and persistent flooding that had been experienced.

    Permanent Secretary in the Ecological Fund Office, Dr Habiba Lawal, said the project was initiated through appeals by the University authority and commenced in April 2017 with a completion period of eight months.

    Lawal, who was represented by Engr Felix Okeke, urged the University to see themselves as owners of the project for its maintenance and sustainability.

    Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Zana Akpagu, said the project was a big relief to the University, as he described the situation before as a nightmare.

    He expressed appreciation to President Buhari for the gesture, and promised to identify with his programmes.

    He said UNICAL was the only University offering compulsory course in anti-corruption at the general studies level in conjunction with ICPC.

    “The project has given us new hope to open up the university towards this axis. Before now it would have been suicidal,” Akpagu said.

  • Updated: FEC bids Fayemi farewell 

    The immediate past Minister of Mines and Steel, Kayode Fayemi on Wednesday attended his last Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The Council held a valedictory session for Fayemi, who has resigned his appointment to run for the governorship election in Ekiti State billed for July 14.

    President Muhammadu Buhari noted that he was reluctantly allowing Fayemi to go to his state because of his constructive contributions at FEC meetings.

    He said “As I sat here, I watched every minister that spoke and about his contributions, this revealed not only intellect but when he is given the necessary time to contribute to important memorandum, he made contributions. This shows commitment to the progressive of this government and the country.

    “By chance he was given the portfolio of solid minerals and steel development and you know that sector was virtually abandoned. During the colonial days, they took what they wanted from us – tin, columbite and the rest were the priorities until they struck oil somewhere, it was simply priority of investment shifted offshore.

    “When he went in, he began to deal with both Nigerians and foreigners that are exploiting the lack of commitment of those who are responsible of that sector before he went there. If you recall the number of children and women that suffered from the effect of mining in Zamfara State and other parts of the country and the people responsible, knowing that Nigeria will dump as decently as possible.

    “He only briefed me occasionally but he was packing them out of the country, with the cooperation of some his colleagues he will come here and let me know.” he said

    He urged Fayemi to get Ekiti State for APC.

    He said “I hope you will get the Ekiti back for the party. The only time I saw the INEC chair was to insist that go voters Education should be emphasized, so that ordinary Nigerians will believe that Nigeria is beginning to respect them and that their PVC is their status.

    “And then couple with the card readers, God willing we are here with the help of technology. Because, previous elections and I am in the position to say so having lost three times and got to Supreme Court, I know if not for technology, we will be doing the same thing.

    “A lot of constituencies were bought, voters were allocated and results were announced and people were told to go to court if they don’t agree with it.

    “Now, for someone who is looking for the next meal, how is he going to get the money to give   to SAN, to demand for justice for his marginalization.

    “So, we thank technology because with the introduction of PVC and the readers’ card, votes counted. Please go and emphasize this to your constituencies, let Nigerians be respected that they can vote anybody across any party and at any constituency.

    “I think that will give them the pride to voluntarily go and vote. It is not easy to go to Supreme Court three times, but I went through it, I wonder how many people will be proud to go through it in this country.

    “So, we certainly wish you the best of luck but it will take me sometimes to get a substantive minister and more so with the 2019 prospects that I have already indicated. But we need a very strong minister, strong in intellect and courage, so as to make sure that both the Nigerian and foreign collaborators of taking away our resources can be checked effectively.

    “We thank you very much for your contribution for your country. Goodbye, we will come for the inauguration.” he added

    Six members of the cabinet were selected from the six geopolitical zones to speak on Fayemi.

    The Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu said that Fayemi is both special and unique.

    According to him, he played important roles in the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC) and creation of the Progressives Governors Forum.

    Read Also:Ekiti 2018: Election ‘Fire’ will consume Fayose, says Fayemi

    Minister of Interior, Abdulraman Danbazzau said “I found him to be a gentle man and an academic of repute.

    “We became very close during the campaigns. We are going to miss him in this chamber because of his contributions to discussions, which have increased the informed decisions we have taken here.

    “I want to wish him success in the campaign and wish he wins the election.” he added

    The Minister of Women Affairs, Amina Alhassan said that Fayemi has repositioned the Ministry of Mines and Steel in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s vision.

    She also noted that Fayemi was a gender friendly minister.

    “He is a He for She and has always included women in his programmes. The Nigerian women miss you already.

    On her part, Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun said “He is a unique public servant.”

    The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi said that Fayemi was instrumental to his success as Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum.

    Amaechi, who was former Rivers State Governor, said “It is difficult to speak about Fayemi. You cannot talk about my success as Chairman of Nigerian Governors Forum without talking about Fayemi. I wish him best of luck.”

    Fayemi’s Deputy, Minister of State for Mines and Steel, Bawa Bwari said that the Ministry will greatly miss him.

    He said “What we met on ground at the Mines and Steel Development Ministry, when we came on board, was so discouraging that we didn’t know where to start from.”

    According to him, the success recorded in the sector in the past three years was due to Fayemi’s leadership.

    The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, who was not part of those selected to speak on Fayemi from the six geopolitical zones, told his colleagues that he had something to say against Fayemi.

    Complaining that Fayemi, who had been very close to him has now been dodging him since his ambition to get Ekiti gubernatorial seat.

    He also pointed out that Fayemi will be more useful at the national level than in Ekiti State.

    Adamu later urged his colleagues to support Fayemi to win the forthcoming Ekiti gubernatorial election.

    In his remarks, Fayemi, who jokingly said that he would have to learn how to dodge bullets, said that his winning Ekiti State Governorship seat will not be a national loss as it will give more opportunity to serve the country and the President better.

    He said “At occasions like this, words normally fail me. But I have to say thank you to Mr. President for the opportunity to serve the people and also for agreeing for me to run for the Ekiti Gubernatorial seat.”

    He also thanked his colleagues for all their supports in moving the country forward and the progress made in the past three years.

    According to him, he had no regret of been called ‘Buhari’s Boy’, because Buhari stood for transparency and accountability.

  • Fed Govt to establish science parks in varsities

    Fed Govt to establish science parks in varsities

    The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu has promised to help tertiary institutions establish science Parks to facilitate the diversification of the economy through science, technology and innovations.

    Onu made the promise when he addressed participants at the maiden international conference for science parks and Innovation Ecosystem for National Development (SPIE4ND) at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

    The Minister said the culture of establishing high-tech clusters should be promoted by tertiary institution administrators, adding that the dividends of investment in Science Park would give rise to new business incubators and technology research centres.

    Dr Onu, who stressed that no nation would achieve greatness without science and technology,  said his ministry was ready to partner and support science and technology innovations geared towards helping the nation transit to knowledge-based economy.

    He explained that the science park project would facilitate the creation and growth of innovation-based companies through incubation and spin-off processes, as well as provide other value-added services with high quality space and facilities.

    Citing Singapore’s achievement, Onu said history showed that countries with smaller population achieved greatness through science and technology, added that Nigeria with larger population could leverage Science Park to improve its economic growth.

    Given that Nigeria is the most populous African country, Onu said the country should set the pace for science and technology revolution in the continent by harnessing indigenous technology. He hailed the vision of the UNN Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Benjamin Ozumba, in conceiving the idea of Science Park in the university.

    Onu said: “I assure you that the collaboration between the UNN and the Ministry of Science and Technology would yield positive results that will benefit both organisations mutually and set the pace for development of our country.”

    The Minister said the President Muhammadu Buhari administration remained committed to promoting innovation and technology advancement, with the aim of reducing dependence on importation and enhance local content in the production of goods and services.

    The VC described the workshop as an effort to restore man’s dignity. He said the school had already taken steps towards building a knowledge-based economy for the country.

    According to him, the event aimed at sensitising the academia, researchers, entrepreneurs, government ministries and agencies on the need to acquire skills and training required to build a competitive 21st Century economy.

    The VC said the conference was a follow-up to his trips to Sweden to understudy Science Parks’ operations in the country.

    He said: “This international workshop is our modest effort to domesticate what we learnt in Sweden and help in creating the needed culture of innovation in our country, Nigeria.”

    Professor Emeritus Pius Okeke of Physics and Astronomy Department of the university appealed to the Federal Government to create long-term investment plan in science and technology, saying innovation remains the language of the 21st Century.

    The workshop was attended by experts from Sweden, South Africa and Kenya. Also in attendance were representatives of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry for Trade and Investment, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Customs and other parastatals.

  • FG saves N4.5 trillion from high profile cases 

    FG saves N4.5 trillion from high profile cases 

    The Federal Government on Wednesday disclosed that it has saved over N4.5 trillion from high profile cases prosecuted by the Ministry of Justice between 2015 and 2017.

    The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami briefed State House correspondents at the end of about seven hours Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    He was with the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello.

    According to Malami, his Ministry presented its score card to Council in the last two and a half years.

    He said “In respect of Federal Ministry of Justice what was presented to the Council today is the score card from 2015 to 2017

    “We presented a score card as to cases both civil, criminal that were prosecuted by the Federal Ministry of Justice and their implications as to savings that were done for the government commencing from 2015 to the present time.

    “Fundamentally arising from the cases that were conducted by the Federal ministry of Justice, the Ministry has succeeded in saving the government around N4.5 trillion relating to the claims that were presented in respect of these cases which were indeed conducted and concluded.” he

    Continuing, the Minister said “The Federal Government has put in place a committee saddled with the responsibilities of coming up with policies and strategies that will ease off congestion of prisons.

    “Over 70 percent of the inmates are awaiting trials there are sizeable number that couldn’t afford to pay limited fine that have been imposed by them arriving from their convictions.

    “There are those awaiting trials that have never seen the court room for over five years and above and indeed there are multiple legislation that are before the national assembly that are intended to support the decongestion of prison formation process.” he said

    He said that another area the Ministry presented its score card was the ongoing prosecution of Boko Haram cases.

    On Boko Haram suspected terrorists ongoing trial, he said that the total number of convictions so far is 255 and those discharged is 737.

    He said “We presented a position as to the number of cases that were prosecuted, number of convictions that were procured and the number of discharges that were made relating to the cases and then made a presentation as to the road maps for the continuation of the process.

    “There were other presentations that were made particularly as it relates to plea bargain. There are a lot of pending criminal cases in respect of the accused persons standing trials, who made offers for plea bargain.

    “Again there are high profile cases that we made our score card and gave an insight as to their respective positions.

    “A presentation was made relating to national prosecution team as it relates to the cases they are expected to prosecute.” he said

    The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi also disclosed that FEC has approved the construction of the  Ibadan – Kaduna rail lines at the cost of $6.7 billion.

    The project, he said, is expected to be completed in three years.

    According to him, the contract for the Kaduna to Kano aspect of the rail line was awarded last year.

    The Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu, also briefed on the progress made based on the recently approved executive order, the national strategy for competitiveness and the entire science and technology innovation road map.

    As part of the score card of the Ministry in the past two and half years, he presented new biscuits being produced in conjunction with Nasco Food.

    He said “High nutrient density products developed and proposed for inclusion in the current Nigerian School Feeding program will provide at least a third of the desired major macro and micro nutrients requirement stipulated by the World Health organization, Food and Nutrition Board.

    “Additionally, the products will be produced by NASCO Foods Limited, Jos that have state-of-the-art processing equipment with vast experience in Food processing, Food Safety and quality for production and supply chain nationwide.

    “The developed nutritious products have been tested using Nasco Food processing facilities in Jos and have been found to be technically and economically viable.

    “The pupils in the schools in Jos and Lagos where the sensory evaluation and consumer acceptability studies were done showed strong likeness for the products and are ready to consume the products if including in the school feeding program.” he said

    On his part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, said that the major projects which were rolled out by his ministry, including the citizens diplomacy program, desk to desk review initiatives and the economic diplomacy innovation, are recording successes.

    He also gave score card of his Ministry in the past two and half years to the Council.

    He listed the special interventions by the Buhari’s administration for the ministry, foreign missions and embassies to include N16.3 billion, N933 million, N7 billion, $32 million and $28 million.

    According to him, all the interventions were made as the President decided that he would not entertain sending Nigerians abroad without the necessary funding.

    He said “Special intervention fund to rescue many embassies in several countries of the world. First was in 2016 when the Naira was fluctuating terribly and of course the dollars to our embassies were too low to sustain them.

    “We received initially N16.3 billion, and was successfully distributed to all embassies. The second one was N933 million for renovations and other debts released in October, 2017.

    “The third was $32 million that were released for critically distressed 65 missions that were in serious debts and crisis. This was approved in November 2017 and we are in the process of distributing to the embassies around the world another one, $28 million and is the process of also being distributed and finally for ministry headquarters, the sum of N7 billion was made.” he said

    He added “A lot of the debts and the crisis in our embassies and missions around the world have been building over the last 10 years and Mr. President decided that he will no longer accept the situation where we are sending Nigerians out to represent this country and not given them the resources to be able to carry out their tasks. Hence he made provisions and directed that these funds should be released to them.

    “So the situation is still not perfect but this has come in very handily and of course in the interest of transparency we wanted to show how these funds had been disbursed.” he stated

    The Minister of FCT disclosed that FEC approved N1.9 billion for road reconstruction of Clinton Drive and N273 million for water treatment chemicals.

    Read Also: Tracking high-profile corruption cases

  • FG to expose Nigerian engineers to large-scale projects

    FG to expose Nigerian engineers to large-scale projects

    The Federal Government says it will expose Nigerian scientists and engineers to relevant large-scale scientific and engineering projects that will ensure long-term local contents development.

    The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu made this known at a workshop organised by Nigerian Society of Nigeria ( NSC ) in Abuja on Tuesday.

    According to Onu, exposing Nigerian engineers to relevant scientist and engineering projects will increase job opportunities for Nigerian scientists and engineers as well as strengthen national self-reliance.

    He said that the government would fast-track infrastructural development course by fully encouraging Nigerian engineering firms to be the arrowhead of such developmental effort.

    “Nigeria is in dire need of sustainable social infrastructure to support the much anticipated socio-economic development.

    “We may take the easy route of becoming the world’s destination for “ready-made“ skills and products.

    “By extension, we will be offering other opportunities to advance ready-made capacities and skills which we will continue to pay for at the peril of killing our growth potential in all ramification,“ he said.

    Read also: Kaduna refinery pledges to patronize Nigerian engineers

    Onu expressed optimism that such development would positively affect fiscal activities such as relieving seemingly futile reactionary regulatory efforts on Nigeria currency foreign exchange values.

    The President of Nigerian Society of Engineers, Mr Oliver Anyaeji, said that the awards of projects to foreign companies would neither help in effectively empowering local firms nor lead to the attainment of respective installed capacities.

    Anyaeji said that the workshop aimed to explore effect of Federal Executive Council ( FEC ) guidelines for planning and execution of projects, programmes and contracts with science, engineering and technology components.

    “It would interest you to know how the FEC guidelines for planning and execution of projects, programmes and contracts with science, engineering and technology would guarantee steady and rapid capacity building to Nigerian engineering companies.

    “We are most concerned with our basic occupational areas inclusive of engineering consulting, contracting, manufacturing, maintenance and repairs among others,’’ he said.

    The workshop examined the needs and benefits of Executive Order on Local Content inclusion via Nigerian engineering firms on projects and programmes with Science, Engineering and Technology contents“.

    NAN

  • FG to invest N180bn on Science, Technology

    FG to invest N180bn on Science, Technology

    Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister of Science and Technology, has said that the Federal Government is committed to investing N180 billion to ensure successful implementation of the National Science, Technology and Innovation Roadmap ( NSTIR ) 2030.

    Onu said this at the ongoing 15th meeting of the National Council on Science and Technology in Benin.

    He said the amount, which would be over a period of three budget years, would be in the short term basis of the roadmap.

    Onu said the ministry was keen on implementing the roadmap, in collaboration with wide variety of stakeholders, including public and private research development centres.

    He expressed optimism that the implementation of the planned NSTIR 2030 programmes and increased investment in Science, Technology and Innovation ( STI ) would help actualise Nigeria’s dream to join the top 20 of technologically advanced countries in the world.

    Read also: Reforms, technology, attitudinal change key to curbing corruption – Obaseki

    Onu noted that though the country was yet to reach its full potentials in the deployment of STI deliverables into projects and programmes due to some identified challenges, it had been able to attain some mileage within the past few years.

    He also said that the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan ( ERGP ) 2017 to 2020 recently launched by the present administration, focused on macroeconomic policy improvement, economic diversification, competitiveness, improvement, social inclusion and job creation.

    The Minister said that the ERGP targeted that the Nigerian economy would recover strongly with a GDP growth of seven per cent, driven by non oil sector growth of 7.2 per cent by 2020.

    This, he said, would also help in the steady expansion of the agriculture, manufacturing and services sectors, adding that approximately 15 million net jobs would be created with poverty reduction from 61 per cent to 50-55 per cent by 2020.

    Onu said the ministry was committed to playing its required role in ensuring that the ERGP strategies were STI driven and successfully implemented.

    He said that the theme of the meeting “Nigerian Economy Driven by Science and Innovation”, was apt and captured the new direction the country had resolved to follow, in the quest to revive and strengthen the economy.

    Onu explained that it was aimed at “helping to strengthen and diversify the economy in a sustainable manner by encouraging the harnessing and application of STI apparatus in the Nation’s development process’’.

    NAN

  • FG, ready to produce sports kits locally– Onu

    FG, ready to produce sports kits locally– Onu

    Dr Ogbonaya Onu, Minister of Science and Technology, on Friday in Abuja said the nation had advanced technologically enough to start producing all types of sports kits for the industry.

    Onu made the observation when he presented locally made sports kits for “Dr Akanu Ibiam Super Cup Football Competition“ to the Minister of Youths and Sports, Mr Solomon Dalung.

    According to him, such efforts towards self-reliance will help in creating job, wealth and improve Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    “it is time for us to start producing what we need in sports industry and other sectors in terms of quantity and quality.

    “We can produce balls and other sporting facilities apart from football.

    Read Also: ‘Why has Abuja Swimming Pool been left to deteriorate?’

    “ Agencies of the ministry are capable to do this and I will like to encourage all Nigerians to start consuming our local products and services,“ he said.

    The minister said the nation would intensify efforts toward technology.

    Responding, Dalung commended Federal Ministry of Science and Technology (FMST) for such deed in producing kits for the industry.

    He promised the Ministry of Youths and Sports would patronise made-in –Nigeria sports kits for any future local tournaments in Nigeria.

    He expressed optimism that indigenous language would help to drive Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in the country.

    Ibiam was a distinguished medical missionary who was appointed Governor of Eastern Region from December 1960 until January 1966.

    He was responsible for the Bible Society of Nigeria and the Christian Medical Fellowship.

    He became President of the All Africa Conference of Churches.