Nigeria’s Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu has said that the 2021 edition of the Science, Technology and Innovation EXPO is key to drive the nation towards economic diversification.
Dr Onu made this known at a press briefing on the 2021 Science, Technology and Innovation Expo scheduled to hold from 15- 19 March 2021 at Eagle Square in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
According to him, the Expo is a unique and valuable event that brings together Researchers, Inventors, and Innovators together with the aim of converting ideas into products and services.
“The EXPO is not a trade fair, but a centre of intense activity for the conversion of ideas into products and services”
“The Technology and Innovation Expo is a major instrument for the commercialization of research findings into products that are needed both home and abroad also the EXPO is important to the nation in various socio-economic areas, especially in ensuring that the enormous natural resources of the nation are well exploited as Nigeria is well endowed with mineral resources which if well harnessed would be of great economic benefits to the nation,“ the Minister explained.
Dr Onu reiterated the Ministry’s effort to develop policies and programmes to move Nigeria’s economy from being dependent on natural resources to knowledge and innovation-driven one.
He added that the Nigerian government is convinced that with hard work and determination, the country would achieve an economy that is knowledge-based and innovation-driven, to be productive and competitive.
The EXPO activities, the Minister said, includes an opening ceremony, technical sessions, platforms for interaction between Investors, Innovators and Researchers and the presentation of the best three young scientists in the country.
Dr Onu, therefore, welcomed all Nigerians, Research Institutes, Universities, Federal/State, Ministries Department, Agencies, Polytechnics, Industrial laboratories, Organised Private Sector and the general public to the event.
He disclosed that COVID-19 precautions and measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of all stakeholders and participants at the 2021 Science Expo.
PIAK
