By Emmanuel Elebeke

The Minister of Science and Technology, Mr. Ogbonnaya Onu, yesterday, called on all state governments to establish science and technology ministry in their various states, saying that Nigeria cannot diversify the economy without the application of science, technology and innovation.

The Minister made the call when the Taraba state Commissioner of Science and Technology, Mr. Alhassan Hamman paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja.

According to him, the application of science using both local and foreign technologies will help fast-track growth and diversification of the economy of the state, from its present mono-product economy.

He explained that China and India moved out of their poverty levels to their current development level through the application of science, technology and innovation, regretting that the mistake neglecting the sector by Nigeria in the past was responsible for its present economic and social challenges.

‘‘I call on every state in Nigeria to emulate Taraba by creating the ministry of science and technology because the only way out of the woods for the nation is the application of scientific research and innovation in harnessing the abundant natural resources that the country is endowed with.

‘‘Recall that the federal government in 2012 reviewed the 1976 science policy holistically to cater for the diverse natural endowment of the country using its research institutes as driver of harnessing its rich mineral resources,’’ he added.

Onu therefore promised that the ministry would collaborate with Taraba state and other states’ ministries of science and technology to create jobs, develop thee economy and increase the country’s revenue.

Earlier in address, the Taraba state commissioner said he was in Abuja to tap from the experience of the minister and the ministry to advance the newly created science and technology ministry in his state.
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‘‘I thought it expedient to visit the minister to seek for collaboration in all areas of assistance and support. Our ministry was created only last year, there is no doubt that we have met with a lot of challenges on the ground.

“We are therefore of the opinion to come and solicit your support in growing our ministry especially in using it to generate revenue and creation of jobs for our youths.”