THE Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, has said that with numerous researchers, inventors, innovators, investors and entrepreneurs’ participation at the just-concluded 2017 Expo in Abuja, Nigeria is truly on the path to success and greatness.
He said the event has clearly shown that with the power of imagination and vision, the country could surely rise like the morning sun to utilize science, technology and innovation to build a new nation with a knowledge-based, innovation driven economy.
The minister admonished the stakeholders to work together as members of one family to help make the country the new standard bearer on the mountain top.
Onu, who stated this at the closing ceremony of the event, further said that it showed that Nigerians were capable of inventions that could change the course of history, both for the country and indeed the human race.
According to him, “the events of the last five days have shown that Nigeria is on the move. Nigeria is on the way to success. I want to assure you that we in the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology will not rest until science, technology and innovation become the driving force in Nigeria’s effort to diversify her economy in order to stimulate sustainable development. This is both a promise and solemn pledge.
“Our hearts will never depart from you (participants) because you are the future of Nigeria. We shall follow up on your inventions and mobilize the organized private sector to work together with you in the pursuit of the commercialization of your inventions.
“The challenge we face is to rebuild our nation and move her along the path of self-sufficency, prosperity, international respect and acclaim. The journey has just started, the end may be far.
“But with what we have done in the past five days, I am confident that we have taken the right step in our journey to greatness. What is required is for us to build on our achievements so far and remain determined and focus in our collective desire to build a modern Nigeria, where science, technology and innovation will be the engine for economic growth and development.”
Discussion about this post