BY Emma Elebeke

Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Ita  Okon Bassey Ewa has challenged  Nigerian Scientists to come up with  recommendations that will drive the real sectors of the Nigerian economy and fast- tract the transformation agenda of the present administration.

The minister gave the charge at the 12th National Council on Science and Technology that was  held in Ibadan, Oyo Sate recently.

Professor Ewa who delivered the keynote address at the occasion said ” The challenge before this Council is how to galvanize our thoughts and submissions and recommend implementable projects that will drive the real sectors of the Nigerian economy and fast track the transformation agenda of government.”

He admonished participants to use Science Technology and Innovation to transform Nigeria into one of the top 20 economies in year 2020, stressing that a nation that is unable to develop its STI system, will sink further down, while those with strong STI will mount up, as STI provides the basis for industrialization and sustainable development.

The Minister enumerated the several achievements of his ministry towards the realization of rapid national development and the Transformation Agenda of the present administration to include, the establishment of the Ward Based Cluster projects; the development of a framework for the National System of Innovation; the strengthening of the Presidential Standing Committee on Inventions and Innovations; the renewal of collaborations with international partners and governments on STI; the engagement of stakeholder groups spanning inventors, researchers, industries, banks, SMEs, manufacturers and technology managers.

He added that, at present, the ministry is in consultation towards the establishment of the Sheda Science and Technology Complex  (SHESTCO ) Silicon Valley for the promotion of  ICT wand solar technology, including the refocusing  and the reformation of institutes to be specialized, technologically driven and responsive to specific industry needs.

The Oyo State Governor, Senator Ishaq Abiola Ajimobi, represented by the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Alhaji Waheed Akin Olajide while declaring the occasion open stated that Oyo state is blessed with abundant natural resources such as clay, kaolin and aquamarine. He implored the ministry, agencies and the organized private sector to explore and develop these rich and abundant resources.

He specifically requested from the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, the deployment of technologies for the procession of cassava, cashew and kaolin in the state.