Nigerian Innovation Is Worthy Of Sustaining The Economy – Minister
Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation Science and Technology Uche Nnaji has affirmed that innovations developed by Nigerian inventors are worthy of developing the nation’s economy if well invested in.
He said this After a tour round the various indigenous technological innovations displayed by Nigerian inventors at the ongoing Science, Technology and Innovation STI Expo 2024 in Abuja Nigeria’s capital.
The Minister had on the day of the opening ceremony of the 2024 Expo expressed the commitment of the research agencies under his ministry saying that they can contribute to the growth of all sectors of the economy.
“The Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO) can produce various products that will be useful in our homes, The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency NBRDA can boost Agricultural products by growing hybrid improved crops resistant to diseases and highly yielding by nature, The Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency promotes the Research and Development of Natural Medicine in Nigeria, The National Space Research and Development Agency is available for Space Research. Therefore, it is always ready to collaborate with any organization to promote science and technology in Nigeria,” he said.
Also Read: Science and Tech Expo will boost Innovation- Minister
Nnaji also stressed that the Ministry recognizes outstanding young Nigerians in the field of science every year through a program called the Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Award (774 YONSPA) where the students participate in competitions at the local government level, then to the state level where the champions emerge for grand finale in Abuja to determine the winners.
The opening ceremony event however witnessed, the winners of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place receiving cash awards of N1 million, N750,000, and N500,000, respectively.
The Science, Technology and Innovation STI Expo is an annual event of the Ministry that brings together innovators, inventors and investors for the purpose of commercialization.
The 2024 STI EXPO with the theme “STI: Solution to our national economic challenges’’ started on Monday the 11th of March and will end on Friday the 15th of March 2024.
By Hadiza Ndadama
