By Perpetua Onuegbu
Abuja – Mr Yakubu Dogara, Speaker, House of Representatives, says science and technology should serve as a panacea to critical national socio-economic problems confronting the nation.
Dogara said this while delivering his goodwill message at the opening ceremony of the 2018 Technology and Innovation Expo in Abuja on Monday.
According to him, the event could not have come at a more appropriate time in the socio-economic existence of the nation with all its challenges.
Dogara, represented by Mr Iboro Ekanem, said the event was apt, adding the impact of science and technology to national development could not be overemphasised considering the focus of the Buhari-led administration.
“The expo should be used to address critical issues in the country like, health, climate change, diseases, biotechnology, environmental degradation, water resources and other issues of national importance.
“The interdependence of science and industrialisation is no coincidence as industrialisation rides on the wings of science technology and innovation.
“Therefore, I urge the participants and organisers to use this event to proffer solutions to those areas that need urgent intervention and promote national development.’’
Mr John Oyegun, the National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) also reiterated that no nation could become great without science and technology.
“No nation can grow without the ability to modify existing innovations because it is the catalyst to every area of development in the country.
“If the appropriate resources are put into research, innovation and science, this nation will be on its way to greatness.
“I therefore congratulate the minister and all those whose input has made this expo possible because through it more inventors and innovators will be discovered ultimately bring about greater development to the nation,’’ he said.
On his part, the Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu hoped that Nigeria would be better off through the expo in a few years time.
Akeredolu said his state had established a science hub where young scientists could work and bring about critical innovations that could lead to self sustenance.
The Technology and Innovation Expo 2018 is a weeklong event with the theme: “Fast-tracking Sustainable Development of Nigeria through Science and Technology” is organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology.
Scientists, innovators, researchers and young entrepreneurs across the country converged on the expo venue to exchange ideas and exhibit indigenous technologies to the world. (NAN)