The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. (Sen.) Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora has said that Nigeria’s Agenda 2050 will ensure minimal dependency on imported goods and services.
He emphasised that Agenda 2050 will encourage and promote home grown Innovation for job creation and wealth generation in the country.
Mamora said this at the 21st National Council on Science, Technology and Innovation with the theme “STI FOR ALL: ADVANCING THE ACTUALIZATION OF NIGERIA’S AGENDA 2050” Wednesday in Abuja.
The Minister stated that the theme of the Council is apt and captures the new directions which the country has resolved to follow in her quest to revive and strengthen the economy of the nation.
He therefore, said that the economic challenges facing the nation requires urgent action and with the new Nigeria’s Agenda 2050 plan and then, implored the State Governments to key into achieving the agenda.
According to Mamora, it has been proven that any nation that desires true development and a better life for her citizenry must make Science, Technology and Innovation a priority.
The Minister noted that STI constitutes the engine of socio-economic advancement for many countries and investing in it brings more benefits to all sectors of a country’s economy.
To this end, the Minister called on the National Assembly to make more appropriations of funds for Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I) to the STI sector as well as tax incentives for Private sector organisations to invest in RD&I activities.
Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh, in his welcome address said that time has come to fix structural imbalances that have impaired Nigeria’s economic growth through the application of STI.
He further said that with proper implementation of the Agenda 2050 policies, it will lead to value addition practices that will enhance the desired transformation of the country’s economy.
Speaking, Deputy High Commissioner Mr. V S D L Surendra who represented the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria commended the Federal Government in its focus on STI for the development of the nation’s economy.
To this end, he encouraged the country not to be discouraged in its quest for developing her economy through STI despite the challenges the nation will encounter in diversifying the economy.
By Kachi Victor
