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From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has said that the Ministry is determined to strengthen local content integration in innovation, science and technology across the critical sectors of the economy which is aimed at lifting 50 million Nigerians out of poverty.
The Minister stated this at the Flag-Off of the National Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Conversion Capacity Building titled: ‘Train-The Trainee’, organized by the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO) today in Abuja.
He emphasized that training youth in Auto Gas Conversion, will drive economic diversification, create job opportunities, self-reliance and reduce youth restiveness.
According to Nnaji, ‘’economic growth thrives on innovation, science and technology. Our Ministry is committed to contributing to Nigeria’s development by building capacity in these areas. Since assuming office in 2023, we have focused on achieving the priority areas outlined in the Renewed Hope Agenda of our dear President, and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.The priority areas are economic reform, national security, agricultural growth, energy development, infrastructure enhancement, education, health, social investment, industrialization, and improved governance’’.
He further said that the Ministry’s efforts through one of its agencies, Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO) has produced significant research outputs in line with this administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, including the FIIRO Auto Gas Technology which aims to mitigate the impact of subsidy removal by offering a cheaper alternative to fossil fuel in the country.
Nnaji also said that the Ministry has developed numerous policies and programmes to tackle global challenge such as climate change, poverty, insecurity and health care through effective deployment of Research and Development (R&D) in all sectors of the economy.
The Minister, further commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s unwavering support for the Ministry and directives to leverage on R&D outcomes for policy enrichments in the nation.
He then, urged the participants to utilize and maximize the opportunity in order to train others to ensure continuity and economic empowerment, adding that the initiative will help transit Nigeria from a consumption to a production economic nation.
Earlier, the Director-General/CEO of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO) Dr. Jummai Adamu, said that the focus of the Research Institute has been to proffer solutions to pending and anticipating innovative and technological challenges of the 21st century.
She revealed that the institute has utilized indigenous technologies and raw materials in the development of over 250 technologies that are market driven and have also trained some organizations communities and individuals on the utilization of these technologies for self-reliance and socio-economic growth of the country.
Speaking, the Director- General of the National Centre for Women Development, Dr. Asabe Villita Bashir, said that Nigerian is blessed with intellectuals that can advance the nation technologically, adding that all over the world technology is the driving force for economic growth and development.
