FG tasks NBTI on research-based solutions to security, agric sector challenges
By Ijeoma Olorunfemi
The Federal Government has urged the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), to step up research on finding solutions to Nigeria’s security and challenges in the agriculture sector.
Mrs Esuabana Nko-Asanye, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, made the call in her keynote address on Wednesday in Keffi while declaring open a Four-Day Retreat for Directors and Centre Managers.
The theme of the retreat is “Renewed Hope: Empowering NBTI Leadership for Technological Advancement and Economic Transformation.’’
Nko-Asanye said she was hopeful that the capacity building event would properly equip the participants in driving the mandate of NBTI.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu administration is one of those great things that have taken us back to when we had Hope Nigeria about 31 years ago; that hope has come and we are the ones to drive the hope.
“So, this is empowering the leadership for technological advancement and economic transformation that cannot be achieved if we are not committed to the dreams of our forebears in aspiration for a better future for our children and generation yet unborn.
“The world is going through tremendous challenges—industrial, socio-cultural, economic, technological, among others.
“These are all embedded in your vision-which empowers as the forerunners, to facilitate the structural development of effective and efficient competitiveness in creating sustainable startups and entrepreneurial skills for women and youth in our great nation.
“Climate change is one of the greatest challenges stopping us from having enough food for national nutrition value chain in agricultural sector,’’ she said.
She said that governance was a global problem evident in the cries of war all over.
According to her, some of the challenges are even threatening with nuclear warfare; hence the need the need for NBTI to intensify research towards making Nigeria a safe place.
“Insecurity is part of our greatest challenges; it is a prime sector that this gathering should try to research and see what we can do to address the issues of insecurity.
“It is a very big challenge to our nation; people cannot go to farm because of insecurity.
“The gathering, therefore, is a forum for us to deliberate on how to reposition the psychology of commercialisation of technology and technical innovations in our nation.
“So, this is very dream and aspiration of our Minister, Geoffrey Nnaji,’’ she said.
Earlier in her address of welcome, Dr Patricia Chukwu, Director-General, NBTI, said that the board was poised to providing crucial support and resources to emerging entrepreneurs and innovators across the nation in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
She said that through its Technology Incubation Programme(TIP), capacity building initiatives and strategic partnerships, NBTI aimed to create a nurturing environment where innovation could flourish and succeed.
Chukwu said that NBTI, operating through its zonal offices in Lagos, Kano, Minna, Nnewi, Bauchi and Benin, as well as 36 centres spread across all states in the federation, had developed and marketed thousands of products locally and internationally.
The director-general said that the theme of the retreat resonated with the optimism and vigour with which the participants must approach their duties.
“Empowering NBTI management is essential to ensure that we are equipped with the requisite skills, knowledge and resources to fulfill our mandate effectively.
“This empowerment comes through continuous professional development, strategic planning and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence within our organisation.’’
According to her, technological advancement is not an end in itself but a means of achieving broader economic transformation.
She said that the objective was to create an ecosystem where innovation thrived and technological solutions developed to address real-world challenges.
The NBTI boss also listed her five-point strategies to include Robust Commercialisation of Research and Development Findings—focus on transforming research and development into marketable products and services that can drive economic growth.
“Extensive Capacity-Building Initiatives—invest in training and development of programmes to enhance the skills and capabilities of our staff and stakeholders.
“Strategic Focus on Enhancing Internally Generated Revenue—develop and implement strategies to increase our financial sustainability through diversified income streams.
“Facilitation of Favourable Work Environments—create and maintain work environments that foster productivity, innovation an employee satisfaction.
“Advocacy for the Enactment of Supportive Legislation for the Agency—work towards securing legislative backing that strengthens our operations and expands our impact,’’ she said.
In his goodwill message, Prof. Sa’adatu Liman, Vice-Chancellor, Nasarawa State University, commended NBTI management on their strides in capacity building and advancing technology incubation in the country.
Represented by Prof. Yakubu Ngwai, the vice-chancellor said the institution was ready to partner with NBTI on technology innovation and incubation in order to drive national development.(NAN)
Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo
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