Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike has called for sustained development of technology through in investments in science research institutions.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Wike said such investment will help in reviving the country’s ailing economy adding that a diversified economy will create employment opportunities for the people.
“We must sustain the development of technology for the growth of the country. I urge that we begin to use research reports from science institutes to attain the desired growth”, he stated adding “the development of relevant machinery and equipment will help create jobs locally and enhance the economy “.
The governor commended the Minister of Science and Technology for establishing the Chemical Equipment and Machinery Development Institute in Port Harcourt saying that the Minister has exhibited maturity by siting the project in Rivers State, pointing out that other Ministers would have been influenced by political considerations.
He directed the Administrator of Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority to liaise with the Ministry of Science and Technology for the allocation of land for the institute.
Earlier, the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu stated that the Chemical Equipment and Machinery Development Institute is a part of the process to build a knowledge based economy that will sustain the country.
Onu said that the over reliance on oil and gas has made it difficult for the country’s economy to grow in view of emerging realities.
He said: “The decision has been made to make Nigeria an innovation driven economy. We are determined to work hard to ensure this succeeds.
“If there is a problem with oil, we will still survive. For us to do this, we need to build capacity, look inwards and use our natural resources in ways that will improve our economy “.
One said that Rivers State plays a very important role in the chemical and petrochemical sector of the nation’s economy.
“We want the institute to be a centre of excellence in the chemical and petrochemical sector of the nation’s economy. The results of the research will be available to the private sector. We will be in a position to grow our economy”, he stated.
PIC: Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Deputy Governor Ipalibo Harry Banigo and Executive Vice Chairman, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, Prof M Sharuna after the Courtesy Visit of the Minister to Government House Port Harcourt on Thursday.
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