President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the Federal Government will continue to support the activities and programmes of the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation through improved budgetary allocation, welfare and infrastructures to enable the system play its vital role in catering for the livelihood of the nation.
The President who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Gambari (Prof) stated this during the opening ceremony of STI EXPO 2023 with the theme: “Actualizing Effective Diversification of the Nigerian Economy Through Science, Technology and Innovation (STI)” on Tuesday 17th January 2023 in Abuja.
According to the President, the EXPO is geared towards showcasing research and development products, goods and services for the purpose of commercialization which is in line with the initiative in moving Nigeria from Consumption to Production Economy. He observed that no nation of the world has ever developed without the utilization of STI.
Muhammadu Buhari pointed out that the Government has placed a special premium on the STI sector for the utilization of local materials and personnel, and that is why the Presidential Executive Order NO. 5 was personally signed for the planning and execution of projects and promotion of Nigerian content in contracts, science, engineering and technology.
He emphasised that Executive Order No.5 is an instrument that scientists, engineers and other allied professionals have been yearning for, for years to contribute effectively to the development of Nigeria.
The President revealed that the National Policy on welding and welding – related fields was approved in November 2022 as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to fast-track industrialization and sustainable development, so as to encourage Nigerians towards acquiring certificates necessary for employment in the field, just like their foreign counterparts.
“The Federal Government has commenced partnership with the State Governments in each of the six geopolitical zones where Technology and Innovation Centres have been established to serve as a forum for stakeholders in the STI ecosystem,” he stated.
He enjoined all Researchers, Investors and Innovators participating in this year’s STI EXPO to be resolute as the nation has confidence in their Research and Development (R&D) output which will enhance Nigeria’s economic development and growth.
Also speaking, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora (Sen) noted that STI constitutes the foundation and driving force in the industrial leadership of nations and business entities as well as economic success on the global scale. He added that countries that have made significant progress towards sustainable economic development owe their success to investment in STI.
Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh (Chief) averred that the Ministry is committed to ensuring that STI is used to drive economic growth and development of the country, due to its strategy to encourage commercialization of Research and Development products and services.
Caption:
Hon. Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. (Sen.) Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora (2nd left) Hon. Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh (right) Chief of staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari (left), Hon. Minister of Environment Barr. Mohammed Hassan Abdullahi (2nd right) Hon. Minister of State Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Ikanade Agba (3rd right) and others during the Opening Ceremony of the 7th Edition of Science Technology and Innovation EXPO 2023 at the Eagle Square in Abuja.
