Minister urges states to create Ministry of Science & Technology
Mr Ogbonnaya Onu
The Minister of Science and Technology, Mr Ogbonnaya Onu, on Tuesday urged state governments to create ministry of science and technology in their respective domains.
Onu made the call in Abuja while speaking with newsmen at the end of a two-day Interactive Forum with Commissioners of Science and Technology in the states, including the FCT.
Onu, who described the meeting as successful, said the creation of such a ministry would advance innovations and the worth of the country.
He said the impacts could only be felt “if each state of the federation promotes Science, Technology and Innovation (STI).
“We need to make sure that Nigerians recognise that science and technology hold the key to our national development in order to become thoroughly advanced.
“There is no way we can do it here in Abuja without also making sure that it is also done throughout the country.
He said this was because “the 36 states of the federation and our local government areas are important.
“Everybody is aware now that we need to change our mind-set so that the thrust of this our administration in creating jobs, securing our nation, growing our economy are actualized’’, he said.
According to the minister, the nation needs to diversify its economy to improve its competence and worth.
“Just under one year ago, crude oil was sold for above $100 dollars per barrel; but today, it is being sold below 40 dollars per barrel.
“Every Nigerian knows that we have a problem; we need to ensure that we do the right things for the good of all to strengthen our currency”, he said.
Onu stated that the ministry would intensify efforts toward addressing the impact of climate change in the country.
“The environment is very important to us in Nigeria; we are losing a lot of our land due to desert encroachment in the north, erosion in the south-east, and flooding in some south-west states, among others.
“So; it is important for us to make sure that as we develop, we also preserve, so that we will be able to hand over to our children the heritage we got from our own fathers.
“Sustainable development can only occur if you develop and also remember you do not need to harm environment in the process’’, he said.
