FG TO BOOST FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO SCIENCE AND TECH DEVELOPMET – OGBONNIA ONU
President Mohammadu Buhari has expressed the commitment of his administration in harnessing the potentials of youths in the areas of science and technology for nation building.
President Buhari stated this in a message to the 2019 Technology and Innovation Expo going-on at Michael Okpara Square, Enugu.
President Buhari, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, said his administration had initiated the 7-7-4 presidential awards as a way to promote competition and excellence among the youth.
He announced that the first, second and third place winners in the presidential awards would be offered scholarships up to doctorate degree level.
The first, second and third awardees were Master Favour Obiajulu Okeke, Master Daniel Fafemi Fisayo and Master Joshua John Mark, all senior secondary school students.
The Technology and Innovation Expo is a programme of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology aimed at commercializing, research development and research results, including products and services developed by tertiary institutions.
The expo also affords inventors/innovators and the manufacturing sector the opportunity to showcase their achievements and breakthroughs in the science, technology and Innovation sector.
In a keynote speech, the Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu noted with dismay that Nigeria since its creation had depended largely on importation of goods, which he said had adversely affected the economy.
Dr.Onu said that through adequate funding, the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology could create employment for the populace.
Also, Enugu State Governor, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, pledged his administration’s commitment towards creating an enabling environment for inventors to thrive.
The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu,had earlier paid a courtesy visit to the Enugu State Governor at the Government House.
Dr. Onu explained that the third edition of the 2019 Science and Technology Innovation Exposition, otherwise known as Science and Tech Expo 2019, would expose globally the technological initiatives of indigenous members of the country.
The Minister emphasized on the importance of the exposition, which he said would set the pace for the commercialization of research findings in the country, in line with international practices.
He stated that the exposition would encourage local productions and ensure the growth of the country’s Gross Domestic Products (GDP).
The State Governor, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, commended the Federal Government for the vision, which he said would advance the country.
The Science and Technology Exposition, which is a week long activity taking place at Michael Okpara Square Enugu, is the edition of the programme and has its theme “Science, Technology and Innovation for Economic Recovery and sustainable Growth.”
EZINWANNE OKWUOLISA AND CHUKWUMA EZEOGU