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From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology Esuabana Nko-Asanye, has commended the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), for being ready to drive the commercialization of research, development and innovation in line with global mix of humanity.
Nko-Asanye, stated this at a 4day on going retreat for Directors and Centre Managers with the theme: RENEWED HOPE: EMPOWERING NBTI LEADERSHIP FOR TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT AND ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION, in Keffi, Nasarawa State .
The gathering that will culminate on Saturday she said, is a forum for all participant to deliberate on how to reposition the psychology of commercialization of technologies and technical innovations in Nigeria. “So this is the dream of our Honourable Minister Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji. So this is empowering the leadership for technological advancement, economic transformation that cannot be achieved if we are not committed.
“About how many weeks ago, people were calling me from outside Nigeria that we wish to go to space when we haven’t eaten. Food isn’t the only human need, going to space was the deal of our first and only prime minister sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa as far back as 1963. Promising his contemporary, the late J.A.K Kennedy that Nigeria was also keen in sending man to the space.
“The world is going through tremendous challenges; industrial, social cultural economic technological amongst others that are all embedded in the ovation which impacts you to be in this place as forerunners to facilitate the structural development of effective and efficient competitiveness in creating sustainable startups and entrepreneur skills for women and youths in our great nation,” she added.
The PS, further said that climate change, “Is one of the greatest challenges for advancing us from having enough food for national nutrition value chain in the agricultural sector.
While hearing the workshop open, Nko-Asanye, urged participants to use the privilege for the best of their ability, and that on their return, will improve on their delivery of service. “Every challenge gives room for opportunity to improve better and better.”
Earlier, while giving her welcome speech, the Director General NBTI, Dr. Patricia Uchenna Chukwu, reiterated that, in line with the objectives of Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, NBTI is poised to providing crucial support and resources to emerging entrepreneurs and innovators across the nation. “Through our Technology Incubation Programme (TIP), capacity-building initiatives, and strategic partnerships, we aim to create a nurturing environment where innovation can flourish and succeed.
“As we strive together to achieve our common goal of an innovation-led Nigeria that aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of our President, the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) functions as a Federal Government Agency under the purview of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology (FMIST). Its core responsibility is to supervise the implementation of the Technology Incubation Programme (TIP) across the nation through the commercialization of research and development findings and the upgrading of indigenous technologies and talents.”
“The Technology Incubation Programme (TIP) is a comprehensive initiative supported by government, academia, and the private sector. Its primary aim is to nurture the growth of knowledge-based emerging entrepreneurs in the domain of new technology-driven enterprises, encompassing start-ups and nascent ventures,” Chukwu added.
According to the DG, that TIP operates as an institutional support mechanism, focusing on establishing necessary infrastructure to nurture technology-related activities and cultivate an environment conducive to fostering connections among technology providers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. “It further, endeavors to foster the cultivation of indigenous talents and industries.”
