The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, has tasked youths to embrace technolo-gical innovations to build sustainable socioeconomic progress and development.
Onu gave the charge on Friday in Enugu during the “Nzuko Oha Ndi Ntorobia Igbo 2020’’, organised by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing Worldwide.
The minister reasoned that Nigerian youths must embrace science, technology and innovation since the richest people in the world, as of now, made their money through technological innovations and programmes.
According to him, “I want you (youths) to be like them. There should be no doubt in your mind, that you can do this. You can do it, because those who have succeeded are human beings like you”.
His words, “This can only be achieved through the effective deployment of science, technology and innovation and I encourage all our youths to embrace Science, Technology and Innovation.
“Our desire as a nation to diversify our economy, build our infrastructure, improve our schools and hospitals, strengthen our currency, feed our people, generate enough jobs, defeat poverty and secure our nation, can only be achieved through  effective utilization of science and technology’’.
While further urging the  youths to help the nation in the war to gain true economic independence, Onu insisted that the mistakes of the past of having low productivity and innovative stance must be corrected.
Said Onu: “The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is determined to ensure that many of the things imported into the country are produced locally. Nigeria is blessed with an abundance of natural resources.
“We need to ensure that we can convert these enormous natural resources, that are found in all parts of the country, into products and services that we need at home.‘
“When we are able to produce most of our needs at home and export the surplus to other nations, we will win the war for economic independence.
“This will help us create enough jobs for our people as well as create wealth for both our citizens and the nation’’.
On the “Heroes Award 2020”  given to him on occasion, Onu thanked Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing Worldwide for considering him as “The Foremost Igbo Political Leader in Contemporary Nigeria’’.
This, he said, ‘‘It means a lot to me coming from our youths as future leaders’’.
“I am happy that you will continue to deploy your energy, intelligence, drive, resourcefulness, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit in the development of both our communities and the nation.
“Your service to the community is captured in the age-grade system in our various communities’’.
Earlier, President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing Worldwide, Chief Arthur Obiora, said that “Onu is a role model to Igbo youths’’; adding that he remained a politician with integrity and humility.
“Onu has remained a role model to many Nigerians. A personality that the Igbo nation and Nigeria have continued to be proud of and all along
these years exhibited exemplary conduct and dignity in his political and public life.
“Onu, as a true Igbo son, has continued to build bridges of understanding and oneness among other tribes and nations within the country,’’ he added. Ends

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Ahmad Abdurrahman, has bagged a fellowship award of the Institute of Peace, Conflict and Development Studies of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT).
Conferring the award on the commissioner on Thursday at ESUT Main Campus, Agbani near Enugu, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Charles Eze, said that Abdurrahman merited the award for his exemplary qualities as a peace-lover.
According to Eze, Abdurrahman sterling qualities of being an incorruptible officer, a peace maker and resolving issues through alternative dispute resolution methods stands him out.
The acting chancellor said: “In our present day, it is difficult to find a police officer very passionate with his job and highly forthright and would not collect ‘a thank you gift’ from those he served.
“He is humble and contributed a lot through his sacrifice to bring the security we have come to continue to enjoy after some men of the underworld decided to toy with the peace in the state.
“But now, we have peace and security and we can sleep with our two eyes closed.
“So, ESUT through the institute today decided to honour whom honour is due and the whole council of the university through the institute  is delighted to confer on you this award,’’ he said.
Earlier, Prof. Felix Asogwa, the Director of Institute of Peace, Conflict and Development Studies of ESUT, said that the award was meant to celebrate a man with symbolic humility and service to humanity.
Asogwa noted that since Abdurrahman took over as the commissioner of police in the state, he had left no one in doubt of his resolve to marshal out his duty with a sense of duty, dedication and integrity.
He had handled COVID-19 and EndSARS challenges with professionalism and intellectual perfection; adding that he was the first commissioner to organise a seminar for his officers and men to boost their morale to resume duty in earnest after EndSARS turned violent.
“Enugu State is today adjudged as the safest state in the country due to the sacrifice and contribution as well as exemplary leadership style of Abdurrahman’’.
Responding, the Commissioner said that he feels very elated for the award conferred on him, adding; “I do not have the capacity or words in thanking ESUT for their great decision to honour me today’’.
Abdurrahman, however, called on the university and its array of academia to continue to groom and mentor the youths, adding; “Nigeria youths are not lazy but needed mentorship and proper guidance to excel’’.
“I appeal to the university to continue to groom and search for youthful talents that will be guided to take over leadership and bring lasting peace, progress and oneness in the country.
“Nigeria must remain indivisible and we all must contribute our little quota to ensure that our father land succeeded’’.
The fellowship conferment was witnessed by top academia in ESUT, top police officers in Enugu State as well as friends, well-wishers and family members of the commissioner.

By: CANICE AMADI ENUGU