The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji has said that Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) is a vital tool to building a sustainable and peaceful world, which reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to harnessing science for a brighter future.
Nnaji said this during the 2024 World Science Day celebration with the theme: ‘’Why Science Matters: Engaging Minds and Empowering futures’’ today, in Abuja.
According to Nnaji, ‘’this year’s theme: why science matters: Engaging Minds and Empowering Futures highlight the needs for global collaboration to address challenges like pandemics, food security and climate crisis’’.
The Minister stated that the Ministry is committed to driving partnership across sectors from Health, Energy and Robotics with over 22 international collaborations that is advancing in areas like methanol revolution, green hydrogen tech, city development and space technology in order to strengthen the country’s science, innovation and technology capabilities.
He further said that the Ministry is also investing in the country’s future through initiative like the Artificial Intelligent (AI), Cassava Value Chain development and programme for youths and innovators, adding that this world Science Day, its missions and the quiz competition aimed to inspire students in sciences.
Nnaji reiterated that Covid -19 reminds us that gratitude scientific Collaboration is essentials to the country’s growth and development.
To this end, the Minister pointed out that aligning the Nigeria’s value with global scientific and technological goals will strengthen our role in international science and technology networks for the advancement of the nation.
In the quiz competition, Federal Government Boys College Apo took 1st position, School for the Gitfted Gwagwalada and Olumawo College, Wuse 2 took 2nd position, while Government Science Secondary School took 3rd position, while in the exhibition category, Government Science Technical College, Garki took 1st position, Great Height Academy, Kado took 2nd position and Government Secondary School Tunganmaje took 3rd position.
Speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, who was represented by the Director Science, Technology and Promotion, Mr. Ronald Ukpong Okon said that the objectives of the World Science Day is to create public awareness on the role of science for peaceful and sustainable socialites, promotes national and international solidarity for shared science between countries, renew global commitment for the use of science and draw attention to the challenges faced by scientists amongst others.
She therefore encouraged all to embrace the World Science Day not just as a celebration but a guiding principle in our efforts to move the country forward.
Earlier, the representative of the United Nation Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Dr. Enang Moma in her good will message said that collaboration between stakeholders is essential, and making this dialogue accessible to as many people as possible is precisely one of the key focuses on open science.
She further said that UNESCO support the work of women scientists who currently account for only one third of the world researchers, adding that for 25 years the partnership between UNESCO and the L’Oreal Foundation has supported the careers of over 4,400 women scientists in 140 countries.
Atuora Obed O.
Deputy Director/ Head
(Information & Public Relations)
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