Yola- The National Office for Technological Acquisition (NOTAP) will train Internally Displaced persons (IDPs) in Adamawa on skills acquisition, Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, has said.
Onu made the statement on Saturday in Yola during a courtesy visit to Gov. Jibrilla Bindow.
He said that the training would sustain the IDPs when they return to their communities of origin.
According to him, the ministry initiated the training as mechanism for sustainable human empowerment in line with the vision of the present administration on human empowerment.
“We are planning to provide skills acquisitions for the IDPs in the North-East in general and Adamawa in particular.
“NOTAP, an agency in the Ministry of Science and Technology will provide the skills to the IDPs.
“It is better to equip them with skills that can sustain them by the time they return to their communities of origin,’’he said.
The minister said that the role of his ministry in the diversification of the economy was enormous.
He said that the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in diversifying the nation’s economy would go a long way in addressing its economic challenges.
He said that his ministry was at the forefront of the new drive to change the country’s economy from resource based to knowledge based.
Onu said: “our president is committed to the diversification of our economy from resource based economy to knowledge based economy.
“The role of science and technology in a knowledge driven economy is enormous as technology will boost our economy and turn it into one of the biggest economies in the world.
“A knowledge based economy will save the nation from the adverse effects of the fall in crude oil prices that has hit us badly.
“Henceforth, our economy will not be dependent on crude oil alone.
“Our economy will no longer depend on the importation of food and other commodities that essential to life.’’
The minister commended the Bindow for his giant stride in the area of infrastructural development.
He urged him to continue to provide good leadership to the people in line with the APC manifesto.
In his remarks, Bindow commended the minister for his leadership qualities.
He also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for paying attention to insecurity in the North-East, stressing that this has enhanced security in Adamawa.
Bindow pledged that his administration would continue to affect the masses, adding that he has no excuse for non performance even in the face of dwindling fortunes of the state.