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Buhari Pledges Improved Budgetary Allocation To Science, Tech, Innovation
President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged improved budgetary allocation for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI).
The president said this while declaring open the 7th edition of the STI- EXPO 2023 in Abuja.
He also said that his administration would also look into the welfare and infrastructure to enable the system play its vital roles in catering for the livelihood of the nation.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Buhari the theme of the expo: ‘Actualising Effective Diversification of the Nigerian Economy through STI’, was apt.
He said this was geared towards showcasing research and development products, goods and services, for the purpose of commercialisation which was in line with moving Nigeria from consumption to production economy.
Buhari further stated that no nation of the world had ever developed without the utilisation of the STI.
The president disclosed that his administration had placed a special premium on the STI sector for the utilisation of local materials and personnel.
He said: “That was why I personally signed the Presidential Executive Order No 5 for the planning and execution of projects and promotion of Nigerian content in contracts, science, engineering and technology.
“The order is an instrument that scientists, engineers and other allied professionals were yearning for in order to help contribute effectively in the development of Nigeria.”
Buhari said that the National Policy on Welding and Welding-Related Fields was approved in November 2022 as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to fast-track industrialisation and sustainable development.
He said his administration had commenced partnership with state governments in each of the six geopolitical zones where technology and Innovation centres were established to serve as a forum of stakeholders in the STI ecosystem.
Buhari enjoined researchers, Investors and Innovators at the expo to be resolute as the nation had confidence in their Research and Development (R&D) outputs which would enhance Nigeria’s economic development and growth.
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Adeleke Mamora, said STI constituted the foundation and driving force in the industrial leadership of nations and business entities as well as economic success on the global scale.
He added that countries that had made significant progress towards sustainable economic development owed their successes to investments in STI.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Henry Ikoh,had said that the ministry was committed to ensuring that STI was used to drive the economic growth and development of the country.
Ikoh said: “This is due to its strategy to encourage commercialisation of Research and Development products and services.
Happy Birthday Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON
Honourable Minister Federal Capital Territory
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We’ll Drive Tinubu’s Vision in Rivers With Vigour – Fubara …Inaugurates Dualized Ahoada/Omoku Road ….Debunks Rift With RSHA
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that he will lead Rivers people to galvanize support for President Bola Tinubu to drive the vision and objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the State with vigour.
The governor, who joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on Tuesday, explained that his decision to join the APC was not for personal interest but for the overall benefit of Rivers State.
Fubara disclosed these while inaugurating the extension of the dualized Ahoada/ Omoku Express road in Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
He commended the contracting firm, Julius Berger, for timely delivery of the project, saying the project is a campaign promise fulfilled which will bring economic benefits to the people and tackle issues of insecurity associated with the route.
He said his administration has remained focused in delivering democratic dividends in the state despite facing glaring challenges.
The governor thanked the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas for their continuous support, and urged his supporters to remain steadfast and also support President Tinubu who he said, has demonstrated love to Rivers State as a father.
Fubara denied having rift with the Rivers State House of Assembly, stating that his meeting with the lawmakers was stalled as a result of delay in the agreed meeting to be convened by former Governor Nyesom Wike and other stakeholders for him to meet with the state lawmakers.
“I have made every effort to meet with the Assembly members, but it is not within my leadership to initiate the meeting process.
“The arrangement was for my leader, Wike, and the elders led by Anabraba to call for a meeting with the the lawmakers.
“I’m a gentleman and principled. I can’t go behind to call them when we’ve already agreed. Whoever that tell them that I don’t want to meet with them, or I rejected proposal meant for them isn’t saying the truth,” Fubara said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry Works, Mr Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who gave the project description, said the delivery of the project was a fulfillment of long time dream by the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas.
He said the road was previously a single lane and has now been dualised to 14.6 meters wide, complete with solar-powered streetlights with drainages.
He said the road significantly would reduce travel time between Ahoada and Omoku while improving economic activity in the region.
In his welcome address, Chairman of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, Hon. Chuku Shedrack Ogbogu, described the road as a symbol of unity, oneness, and development, thanking the governor for fulfilling his campaign promises.
On his part, the Managing Director of Julius Berger, Engr. Peer Lusbash, said the project was awarded to his company in 2023 with a completion period of 18 months which was achieved in best quality.
He added that Julius Berger enjoyed a good support from the Fubara administration, and assured to complete all ongoing projects being handled by Julius Berger on specification, especially the Ring Road project which is a legacy project.
Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring good healthcare for the people of Rivers State.
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?Governor Fubara stated this when he played host to the Country Director of UNICEF, Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef and her management team in Port Harcourt, last Tuesday.
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?The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, said he would continue to provide the necessary facilities in order to ensure accessible and good health care for all Rivers people.
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?”We are constructing new zonal hospitals across the State. The Ahoada Zonal hospital will be commissioned in December and others are near completion.
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?”We are grateful to UNICEF for all they have done and believe we can always work together to care for the vulnerable in the society. We appreciate your physical presence, and believe that your staff working remotely, can also do more virtually. We have a capable Commissioner of Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, to help foster our relationship, communication and greater collaboration,” he said.
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?The Country Director for UNICEF Nigeria, Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, assured Governor Fubara of UNICEF’s support to the programmes of the State Government. She appealed that health facilities such as the Oxygen Plant at Eleme Local Government Ares and the New Born Care Units be solarized.
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?”Be assured that UNICEF will continue to work and support the programmes here in Rivers State. We have seen the Oxygen Plant at Eleme LGA which has been effective because of the Public Private Partnership. We appeal that the plant be solarized.
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?”I commend your leadership of the State and assure that we are here to support your effort and assure you that you can count on our support and partnership. Rivers State is one of the states we can showcase how things are working so others can learn,” she added.
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