He gave the charge recently while declaring open the 30th annual International Conference of the Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN), held at the Multi-Purpose Hall, Gidan Matasa, Minna, Niger State.
Governor Bello said researchers need to provide practical and sustainable ways to national development, rather than just writing papers.
Bello, who was represented by the state’s Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Alhaji Mohammed Mugi, disclosed that in recognition of the importance of science and technology as a tool for national development, his administration had converted some secondary schools to science colleges, with the aim of encouraging students to study science and technology-related courses.
He commended the society for choosing Niger State as a venue for the conference, adding that the conference would provide stakeholders with the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas on emerging trends in the field of biotechnology.
Also in his welcome address, the vice chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Professor Musbau Adewumi Akanji, applauded the society for giving FUT, Minna the rights to host the conference.
He expressed the confidence that the conference would lead to the much-needed change in the country as well as introduce comprehensive workable agenda on how to create jobs for the youths.
Also, while delivering his address, the National President, Biotechnology Society of Nigeria, Professor Benjamin Ewa Eva, said since its emergency as a field of study, biotechnology had continued to provide vast array of opportunities for industrial development with significant impact on several sectors of global economies.
Professor Eva stated that biotechnology would serve as catalyst for building a robust bio-economy that could transform the abundant biological resources in Nigeria into finished products, foster a second revolution for the attainment of food security for the country in the face of increasing cases of climate change, and foster improved healthcare delivery.
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