The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has said that promoting Public Health is key to the advancement of sustainable economic growth and development.
The Minister stated this during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (Mou) between the Ministry and Tropics Derma Research and Training Institute (USA), today in Abuja. Nnaji noted that partnering with the Tropics Derma Research and Training Institute is an important milestone as it directly supports our National objectives of promoting Public Health, fostering innovation and advancing sustainable economic growth, in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s eight (8) point Agenda. The Minister further said that through this collaboration, the Nation is committed to offering innovative science-backed skincare solutions to combat harmful practices and provide safer alternatives.
Nnaji also said that the partnership exemplifies the transformative power of Innovation, Science and Technology in tackling public health challenges and promoting sustainable growth, adding that it is a step towards creating an environment where women and other consumers can access safer skincare options as well as empowering them to make informed healthy choices. He pointed out that the rise in the use of harmful skin care products especially those containing harmful substances such as Hydroquinone and Steroids, poses serious health risks for many Nigerians, particularly women. To this end, the Minister commended the Institute for its dedication to promoting safe skin care practices and for its leadership in Research and Development.
Speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Esuabana Nko Asanye has said that the main source of Raw Materials for the production of cosmetics is Africa and Nigeria in particular, emphasizing that these Raw Materials if the added value to, before exportation, will contribute to the economic transformation of the Country and Africa in general Esuabana however, noted that the Country is working towards, adding value to the raw material before their exportation to enhance her economic growth.
Earlier, the President of the Tropics Derma Research and Training Institute, Dr Edith Gibson said that the Institute has spent 10 years researching Tropical Skin Care, analyzing more than 50,000 tropical skin samples to develop cutting-edge treatments for common skin issues. She further said that the Institute is committed to training professionals in the Derma sector, including Beauticians, Estheticians, Junior medical professionals, Nurses, Pharmacists and Medical Doctors.