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We’ll overtake advanced countries in research, innovation – Onu

Ogbonnaya Onu

Dr Ogbonnaya Onu

Nike Popoola

The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, has said that through hard work and commitment, Nigeria can overtake advanced countries in research and innovation.

He, therefore, urged indigenous researchers to become more innovative in order to catch up with the rest of the world.

Onu gave the challenge at a meeting with the permanent secretary, directors and director-generals of agencies in the ministry in Abuja.

The minister called on the agencies to come up with proposals that will meet both the immediate and future needs of the country.

He said, “We must target research and innovation efforts that can help us catch up with the advanced world. Through hard work and commitment, we will over-take them.

“The Federal Ministry of Science and Technology has a very important role to play in re-directing our nation to the path of true greatness. The Economic Recovery and Growth Plan has recognised science, technology and innovation as playing a central role in the activities of all sectors of the economy.”

He stated that the ministry was encouraging research and innovation in different areas, and that it was working hard to convert the outcome of the researches and innovations into products and services needed by Nigerians.

Nigeria, Onu added, would become self-reliant by producing locally, many of the products currently imported from other countries.

According to him, the effort will produce new entrepreneurs, who in turn will help in job creation as well as poverty eradication.

In a statement, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr Bitrus Nabasu, enjoined all the agencies to remain committed, dedicated, disciplined and resourceful in the execution of their duties.

“This is the only way through which the science and technology sector can assist the administration in achieving its goals,” he added.

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