FG TO BRIDGE TECHNOLOGY GAPS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT- ONU

The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, has reiterated the ministry’s plan to bridge technology gaps in the country in order to achieve a sustainable and diversified economy.

Onu made the pledge in a statement signed by Mr Taye Akinyemi, his Chief Press Secretary in Abuj on Sunday.

He said this when he inaugurated NOTAP/PZ cussions Nigeria Limited upgraded Chemistry laboratory at the University of Calabar.

According to him, bridging technology gap will strengthen the role of Science and Technology Innovation (STI) to defeat hunger, create jobs and stimulate growth in the country.

He said that ministry in collaboration with the Cross River Government had also  commenced a natural waste to wealth programme, using appropriate technologies.

Onu described the waste to wealth programme as systemic technology when he inaugurated the programme at Idundu industrial Layout, Calabar where the dumpsite was domiciled.

“It is sustainable for waste management to create employment, wealth and change the livelihood of its citizens.

“ It will be implemented to help Nigeria restore its pride as Africa’s most populous nation as well strengthened the place of STI in search for a new beginning to boost economy.

“ This will lead the nation from a resource-based to a knowledge and innovation-driven economy,” he said.

According to him, the programme will enable Nigerians convert waste to valuable goods and services that will help create wealth, more jobs, reduce poverty, defeat hunger and help stimulate national consciousness.

He assured Nigerians that the APC-led Federal Government of President Muhammadu Buhari was committed to building a peaceful and prosperous nation.

Gov. Benedict Ayade of Cross River, represented by his Deputy, Prof. Ivara Esu, thanked the ministry for launching the pilot project in Calabar.

Ayade said the programme would produce bio- gas, organic waste and feed for aqua culture in Calabar.

He appealed to the ministry to beef up the budget for the waste-top-wealth programme for proper implementation. 

Credit: www.dailytrust.com