Minister Calls For Application Of Science And Technology Innovations In African Countries

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By Chuks Sunday, Abuja.
African scientists have being urged to apply science and technology innovations (STI) in their various countries, as a means of improving socio-economic conditions.

The call was made by the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Abdul Bulama at an event tagged Senior Expert Dialogue (SED) on “Science, Technology and Innovation and the African Transformation Agenda: Making New Technologies Work for Africa’s Transformation,” in Abuja on Monday.

The event was jointly organized by the United Nations Economic Commission For Africa (UNECA) and the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology in Abuja.

According to the minister, “The forces of technology and innovation have gained importance as fundamental tools for creating wealth and jobs while improving the quality of life, both globally and within individual societies.

“It is a known fact that countries with science and technology and innovation (STI) capabilities have higher chances to succeed,” he added.

Bulama urged the scientists drawn from various countries in the continent to use “STI to successfully address critical problems related to healthcare, food security, water safety, affordable housing, electricity, environmental sustainability and others”

He urged them to harness the abundant resources in the continent, saying, “Africa’s greatest asset is its human resources but this is not the continent’s only resource. Africa is endowed with many natural resources, such as petroleum, diamonds and other valuable minerals, including copper, zinc and bauxite, for which Africa is known to have largest deposits in the world. 

“However, these resources can only equitably benefit Africans if STI is rightly applied to transform these resources to useful goods and services,” he added.

Welcoming the delegates, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Mrs. Winifred Eyo-Ita called for efforts to stimulate STI in accelerating Africa Transformation Agenda through contribution to societal priorities.