Minister of state for Science, Technology and Innovation in Nigeria, Chief Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh has said that the Nigerian government would continue to ensure that women and children develop keen interest in Science, research and Innovation programmes and sector.
He said this during the North-east zonal dialogue between government and stakeholders in the Science Technology and Innovation STI ecosystem on the establishment and Implementation of the technology and innovation centres for global Competiveness and productivity in Bauchi state North East Nigeria.
In a statement by the Ministry’s Deputy Director Information signed by Josephine Ademu, the Minister said the government would also create a conducive and enabling environment for work, reward Scientists and Researchers for successful commercialisation of research and innovation efforts, attract women and children into research and Innovation.
Innovators Would Be Protected
The Minister further revealed that in line with Presidential Executive Order No.5, STI policy of 2022 and the Abuja declarations of FARI, researchers, inventors and innovators would be protected with the appropriate legal framework such as issuance of patent and other intellectual property rights.
“We shall work tirelessly to remove all obstacles, close all gaps so as to encourage cooperation and collaboration among R&D institutions and OPS, ensure that there is cordial relationship among critical stakeholders within the STI ecosystem in the country. This will help reduce cost of production, guarantee stability in the supply chain, stabilize Forex crises and provide a solid foundation for irreversible industrialization that is inclusive and sustainable for national development, employment generation and creation of common wealth, for the good of all Nigerians,” He said.
The executive governor of Bauchi state, His Excellency, Senator Bala Mohammed, represented by the deputy governor, Sen. Baba Tela, said that the Executive Order No.5 when fully implemented will greatly reduce the crave for imported goods and have positive effect on the socio-economic development and growth of the country.
Senator Tela further said that the implementation of Executive Order NO.5 would ensure that 100 million direct and indirect jobs in Nigeria and most importantly boost indigenous technology development in the country.
The National Coordinator, Strategy Implementation Task Office for Presidential Executive Order No.5, Engr. Ibiam Oguejiofor who enjoined the participants to contribute positively to the dialogue stated that changing the narratives of Nigerian economy from consumption to production based is a task that must be achieved collectively.
Lateefah Ibrahim
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