Nigeria’s Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu says plans have been concluded to commence the Science, Technology and Innovation Expo which starts on Monday, 15 March 2021 in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The Minister stated this while inspecting facilities put in place for the 2021 Expo at Eagle Square, Abuja.
According to the Minister, the forthcoming 5th edition of the Science and Technology EXPO will bring together Innovations, Inventors and Investors to interact with a bid to explore ways to commercialize research findings into products and services to provide jobs, wealth and also impact the nation’s economy.
He further said that 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.
“The Technology Expo is performing a very important and helpful role in our diversification plan, making sure the enormous resources are exploited which if well harnessed will be beneficial to the country,“ he emphasised.
The Minister reiterated that the Technology and Innovation Expo is a major instrument for the commercialisation of research findings into products that are needed both home and abroad.
“The Expo is not a trade fair for buying and selling but rather a platform that will showcase the level of creativity which Nigeria is known for, it is also a platform that will showcase the level of creativity that took place within the year in Nigeria and how this Innovation can transform Nigeria’s Economy from commodity base to knowledge and Innovation-driven economy”
“We are using this programme to ensure our economy is no longer commodity-based but knowledge-driven, build factories, create jobs, wealth for both individuals and the country, When achieved, it will make Nigeria globally competitive, relevant and self-reliance,“ he added.
The Minister explained that the EXPO activities will include an opening ceremony, by the Nigerian Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Technical sessions, platforms for interaction between investors, innovators and Researchers also presentations of the best three young scientists in the country.
Dr Onu, therefore, invites all Nigerians, research institutes, Universities, Federal/State government agencies, Polytechnics, Industrial laboratories, organized Private Sector and the general public to be part of the event.
The Minister emphasised that Covid-19 precautions and measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of all stakeholders and participants at the event.
On his part, the event planner, and the Chairman of Mirakon, Mr Micheal Okokon, said that everything has been put in place for the smooth take-off of the 2021 Science Expo.
The theme for this year’s Science Expo is tagged “Science, Technology and Innovation for economic recovery and sustainability amidst COVID-19 challenges.”
PIAK
