NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Science & Tech

ASRIC urges African scientists to lay foundations for new scientific era

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By Tolu Aiyegbusi

The Chairman of the African Scientific Research and Innovation Council (ASRIC), Prof.  Sammy Chumbow, has urged African scientists to lay foundations for a new science and technology era using innovation and research.

Chumbow made the call on Friday in his closing remarks at the 7th ASRIC Congress in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

He said the transition into a scientific era as Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA) 2024 has ended and Africa was set to adopt the policy strategy of STISA 2024.

Chumbow said, “The strategy aims to guide the continent’s STI development over the next decade.

“Therefore, African scientists should harness the power of science, technology, and innovation to drive economic growth, sustainable development, and global competitiveness.’’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that STISA-2024 is the first of the ten-year incremental phasing strategies to respond to demands for STI in different sectors.

They include:  Agriculture, energy, environment, health and security, among others.

STISA-2034 will build on the successes of its predecessor, STISA-2024, and address emerging challenges and opportunities in Africa’s STI landscape.

STISA-2034 was validated by the African stakeholders in STI in November 2024 and will be endorsed at the AU Summit in February 2025.

The chairman stated that this development marked a significant milestone in Africa’s quest to harness the power of science which should be tapped into by African scientists.

Chumbow added that the strategy would reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of African countries, which should foster a united approach by African scientists to STI development on the continent.

He also called on the council’s Bureau to study the objectives and mandates of ASRIC guidelines so as to sharpen their focus on initiatives that produce continental and regional STI development.

Chumbow urged the bureau’s members not to lose touch with research institutions and university officials and to adopt the principles of focal point so as to make a difference in their fields.

The Executive Director, African Union Scientific and Technical Research Commission (AUSTRC) and ASRIC, Dr Ahmed Hamdy, in his closing remarks, said entering another transition period marks a major shift in innovations.

“Coming forward from where we are where the changes are so obvious, entering a period of major transition globally. We are facing several challenges spanning from climate change, emerging diseases among others.

“Let us as scientists look at each of these challenges separately to have a better understanding of how best we can tackle them using STI,’’ he said.

Hamdy said that the challenges of global change required a transition not only in society but also in the scientific community which scientists should rise up to.

“Global change poses unprecedented challenges to scientific and policy communities, a kind that cannot be tackled using existing conceptual frameworks and methods.

“They are likely to change how we live and relate with each other and scientists should rise to the occasion,’’ he said. (NAN)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Science & Tech

NNMDA woos stakeholders on pharmaceutical grade starch production

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By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The Nigerian Natural Medicines Development Agency (NNMDA), has called on stakeholders in the cassava production value chain to collaborate in their Pharmaceutical Grade Starch project.

Its Director-General, Prof. Martins Emeje, made the call at their Consultative Stakeholders Engagement on the Development of Traditional Medicine in Nigeria webinar.

The meeting focused on “Unlocking Nigeria’s Potential: Natural Medicine, Cassava Cultivation and Pharmaceutical-Grade Starch Production for Health, Wealth Creation, Student, Youth and Women Empowerment-The NNMDA Approach.’’

Emeje recalled the project was approved by the National Assembly following an outcry by the agency to develop homegrown cassava starch fit for medicinal purposes.

“It is a shame that Nigeria, as the largest producer of cassava in the world, will be importing pharmaceutical excipients such as pharmaceutical grade starch to make drugs in Nigeria.

“Instead of rushing into the laboratory, we created a sustainability spectrum and came up with the name- Cassava Value Chain Initiative.

“We want to have a seamless synergy and connection with everybody in cassava value chain cultivation and anything relating to cassava production, including those in academia.

“We want to have a database of everyone into cassava production, location, services rendered, products you supply, so we can do proper geo-allocation of our initiative and decide where you can make an impact on the value chain.’’

He further said that cassava planting for food differed from cassava for medicine, stressing the need to have specialists cultivating cassava for medicinal purposes.

“Those we will take in this area are not going to be planting cassava for starch, for food, but your job will be for our project, we will designate you as the centre for excellent farming in cassava for medicinal use.

“Some of you will be cultivating specifically for us to get the starch that we will convert to pharmaceutical grade, the rest will be left for us to research in our laboratories across the country,’’ he said.

Emeje said they were not deterred in spite of few players in cassava production but would bridge the gap to ensure that cassava for pharmaceutical use was produced locally.

The director-general said the Federal Government had the objective to achieve what was right, which was stopping the importation of pharmaceutical excipients and reactive ingredients.

“We will galvanise people already in the system to achieve this goal and we are not going to reinvent the wheel,’’ he said.

He said they were engaging in a community-based approach to address cassava production for medicinal use, with evidence to discourage resistance in the system.

Emeje recalled that they had stakeholders’ engagement with youths in the past week and would engage the National Association of Nigerian Students, and policymakers, among others.

He said reports on the outcome of the engagements would be collated, and experts deployed to the field to bridge existing gaps in the value chain. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Oluwafunke Ishola

  • NAN
  • Dec, Sat, 2024
Science & Tech

Expert calls for use of AI in laboratory medicine

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Expert calls for use of AI in laboratory medicine

AI

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

Abuja, Dec. 7, 2024 (NAN) Dr Emeka Chukwuka, a Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) specialist, has advocated the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in pathology practice in order to ensure better laboratory outcomes.

 

Chukwuka made the call in Abuja at the 19th National Scientific Conference and yearly General Meeting, organised by the College of Nigerian Pathologists (CNP).

 

The conference was tagged “Jewel 2024.”

 

He emphasised on the transformative potential of AI in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and streamlining laboratory operations, adding that the integration of AI into clinical workflows would help optimise outcomes.

 

Chukwuka said that the technology would enhance efficiency in laboratory medicine, data analysis and also enable quicker and more reliable interpretations of complex medical data.

 

“It will also improve patients care.’’

 

According to him, creating a standardised framework for validating AI tools is essential to ensuring accuracy, reliability, safety and improving patient care in pathology.

 

He said that robust ethical standards and regulatory frameworks were vital in addressing data privacy, consent and bias, while ensuring equitable healthcare delivery.

 

Chukwuka said that the Nigerian healthcare systems faced significant challenges, including inefficient data management, outdated infrastructure and suboptimal Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).

 

He, however, recommended a comprehensive training programmes to help pathologists effectively use AI tools and establish ethical guidelines for data privacy.

 

“This will ensure confidentiality and facilitate responsible use of AI in pathology practice.

 

“Now is the time to integrate these cutting-edge technologies into our practices as pathologists.

 

“A robust technological infrastructure is needed, such as modernising laboratory systems for AI integration, enhancing data storage and processing for effective pathology,” Chukwuka said.

 

Prof. Saleh Yuguda, Director General, National Blood Service Agency (NBSA), who was one of the guest speakers at the conference, outlined the critical role of blood transfusion in healthcare.

 

Yuguda listed some of the challenges of blood transfusion in the country, including inadequate supply and safety concerns but said that efforts were on to find a lasting solution.

 

He said that the agency had always worked to ensure safe, quality blood services through regulation and donor mobilisation.

 

“Pathologists play a vital role in testing, providing expert advice and educating healthcare professionals.

 

“As such, there is need for collaborative effort among stakeholders to enhance blood transfusion services and ensure safety and accessibility for all Nigerians,” he said.

 

Yuguda said that the agency was faced with the challenge of data management on blood transfusion services from centres within the country.

 

He, therefore, solicited the support of pathologists, especially those in leadership positions in the tertiary healthcare facilities to streamline the agencies’ services and bring its plans to reality.

 

On his part, Prof. Yusuf Abdullahi, Chief Medical Director, Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, emphasised the need for excellent leadership that prioritised infrastructure, personnel and technology acquisition, to ensure a formidable healthcare system.

 

Abdullahi, who explained how the institution had strived to train doctors and healthcare personnel, called for investment in staff training.

 

Dr Abimbola Amusu, President, College of Nigeria Pathologists, said that pathologists were essential in diagnosing and monitoring diseases.

 

“We are critical in ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare by ensuring accurate and precise diagnoses and advising on therapeutic strategies.

 

“Government and managers of health facilities should as a matter of urgent importance provide an enabling environment for pathologists to practice.

 

“It is important that we engage in these advancements actively, through partnership between pathologists, government and healthcare providers to ensure quality healthcare delivery.

 

“As pathologists in diagnostic medicine and monitoring of disease, it is necessary that we not just join the train, but we should sit and design the best diagnosis and treatment support for patients.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

 

 

NIU/CJ/

 

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Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Science & Tech

Effective communication pivotal for setting development agenda – NASENI boss

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By Sylvester Thompson

Mr Khalil Halilu, Executive Vice-Chairman (EVC), National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), says that effective communication is a vital tool for setting Nigeria’s developmental agenda.

Halilu said this when he declared open a three-day training workshop for online media practitioners and staff of the agency’s Information and New Media Unit in Abuja.

The EVC said that through effective communication, developmental agenda around innovation and technology could be set to influence public opinion.

“It must be deliberate because what that does is to give people what to think about,” he said.

The NASENI boss stated that promoting innovation, science and technology would go a long way in propelling Nigeria as far as technological advancement was concerned.

He said NASENI was committed to driving Nigeria’s industrialisation through innovation and technology, adding that effective communication was vital to the success of this pursuit.

Halilu said the theme of the training: “Enhancing Effective Delivery of Communication Objectives in a Changing Digital Environment” would help enhance capabilities and foster effective communication of the agency’s activities.

“This training is designed to equip participants with knowledge and skills necessary to excel.

“As we navigate the evolving digital media landscape, it is crucial that we stay focused on the content of our narratives while keeping abreast of the latest trends, ethics and best practices,” Halilu said.

Mr Segun Ayeoyenikan, Director, Information, New Media and Protocol, said that under Halilu’s leadership, 35 new products in NASENI brand name had been marketed.

He further highlighted that within Halilu’s one year in office, 56 projects had evolved and were in various phases.

“Will anyone call that a joke? NASENI is now the leading technology agency of the Federal Government, driving hardest President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Ayeoyenikan said.

The director disclosed that the training was the first of its kind in NASENI, adding that the theme was carefully chosen to enhance skills and knowledge in effectively communicating the agency’s mission and vision.

Mrs Onyeachi Nonye, Coordinating Director, Planning and Business Development, remarked that in the past the agency’s information and protocol unit faced some challenges.

“Today, with the EVC’s support, who brought in new and fresh ideas, we’ve made progress.

“Our presence in social and mainstream media has been impactful,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

Science & Tech

Paradigm Initiative wants independence of USP Fund

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By Funmilola Gboteku

 

Mr Gbenga Sesan, the Executive Director, Paradigm Initiative (PIN), on Wednesday called for the independence of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) to ensure effective implementation of rural telephony projects.

Sesan made the call at a news conference organised by Paradigm Initiative (PIN) to discuss digital rights and inclusion issues on the continent, in Lagos.

Highlighting the challenges facing the USPF, he noted that the Fund had not submitted its report since 2021, and that there was a need for transparency and accountability in its management.

He emphasised the importance of the USPF to rural telephony, citing the example of Benin Republic where the Fund had run cables from the south to the north, providing last mile access to citizens.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) was established by the Federal Government to facilitate the achievement of national policy goals for universal access and universal service to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in rural, un-served and under-served areas in the country.

The USP Fund is committed to creating an enabling environment and ensuring that Nigerians irrespective of demography, social and economic status have access to quality and affordable ICT services.

He emphasised the need for the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) to be independent and self-sufficient, allowing it to carry out more projects effectively.

Sesan said that politics and backsliding are major obstacles hindering the Fund’s progress, preventing it from reaching its full potential.

Speaking on internet penetration, Sesan said that the growth was slow due to inadequate infrastructure, stressing the need for effective implementation of policies to address the challenge.

On digital platforms, he noted that demonisation of applications was a major bottleneck for digital inclusion.

“Digital platforms have improved the lives of citizens, but there is a need to address the challenges facing the digital space.

“The government needs to take steps to address challenges facing the digital rights landscape in Africa, including internet disruptions, undermining of digital rights, data breaches, surveillance, and censorship,” he said.

Sesan stressed the importance of using appropriate technologies to address specific challenges.

He also highlighted the need for digital literacy and online safety training for citizens, particularly those in rural areas.

Sesan noted that Paradigm Initiative had been working to promote digital inclusion and protect citizens’ online rights.

He stressed the importance of the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) in enforcing data protection laws.

Sesan, however, noted that the lack of independence and zero budget allocation for the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) in 2024 was a worrisome development.

He noted that the zero budget allocation for the commission in 2024 could have hindered its ability to carry out its mandate.

The PIN boss expressed concern about the lack of independence of the NDPC, citing the fact that it was controlled by the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

Sesan emphasised that the NDPC’s independence and adequate funding are crucial for it to effectively regulate data protection in Nigeria and protect citizens’ personal data.

Sesan emphasised the importance of collaboration and coordination among stakeholders to promote digital inclusion and protect citizens’ online rights.

Speaking on significant milestones, he noted that PIN spearheaded the initial draft of a groundbreaking digital rights law in Africa.

He said that the organisation had also supported parliamentarians in Malawi, South Sudan, and Tanzania in their efforts to enact robust data protection laws.

“Through strategic litigation, Paradigm Initiative has secured court rulings addressing concerns with the Nigerian Cybercrimes Act of 2015.

“We have also worked to promote digital literacy and online safety through various programmes and initiatives.

“Paradigm Initiative also trains young people in digital skills through its LIFE programme, which has been extended to 11 African countries.

“We have also developed toolkits such as RIPOTI and AYETA to empower citizens to report and document rights violations and stay safe online,” the PI boss said.

Paradigm Initiative (PIN) is a pan-African nonprofit that connects African youth with digital opportunities and ensures digital rights for all.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Christiana Fadare

Food Security , Science & Tech

NBRDA to support farmers with agricultural technology – D-G

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By Sylvester Thompson

Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, the Director-General, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), has expressed the agency’s readiness to support farmers with technology to boost food production in the country.

Mustapha said this when the Islamic Green Club and Empowerment Initiative, a registered faith-based organisation paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja on Thursday.

According to him, this is an era of technology where nations deploy technology in agriculture to produce their food and cash crops for sustainable growth and development.

“If we do not support our farmers with technology as other countries are doing, what are we going to do?

“Are we going to fold our hands until other countries that use technology to produce their crops for us to go and buy from them?

“The crops that have been commercially released in this country, Tela maize, cowpea and Biotech (Bt) cotton are very essential in terms of development of our nation economically,’’ he said.

The NBRDA boss stated that these genetically modified crops created job opportunities and helped in reducing foreign exchange for food importation.

He added that the climate smart crops were exemplary in the attempt of finding a solution around climate change that was affecting the country and the rest of the world.

Mustapha said that the misinformation about Generically Modified Organisms (GMOs) was being sponsored by people who were trying to bring down the country’s efforts in reducing hunger and malnutrition.

“With the release of Tela maize, a lot has been achieved, we are no longer going to be importing all those GMOs that are being cultivated outside the country,’’ he said.

The D-G said that he requested some farmers to give him an update on their yields in the last planting season.

He said that farmers realised that due to insufficient rainfall, those that planted local seeds did not harvest close to half of what they expected to harvest.

“But those that planted Bt cowpea have harvested fully because it has yielded with the shortest possible time even though the rain did not reach, which is an advantage,’’ he said.

Mustapha assured that his agency was ready to deploy science and technology to improve food production and supply in line with President Tinubu’s eight-point agenda which also includes food security.

He expressed hope that the club’s visit would open a new chapter of advocacy of using technology in the development of the country, especially technology in agriculture.

Earlier, Hajiya Bola Usman, President of the Islamic Green Club and Empowerment Initiative, urged lawmakers to pay an oversight visit to agencies under difficult and unfavourable condition for an on-the-spot assessment and proper regulation.

Usman noted that the visit was to enable the club to gather some relevant materials to support its stand on the subject matter relating to GMOs.

“I am not qualified to make a pronouncement as far as research is concerned, neither do I want to make complementary pronouncements on this burning issue.

“But I am appealing to all concerned stakeholders to be cautious in order not to be misled.

“I observe that while government is planning, some people are counter-planning for obvious reasons not far from mischievousness or self-centeredness,’’ Usman said.

She said other Africa countries were making money through crops and that Nigerians should jettison negativity surrounding technology in agriculture.

She said the technologies, condemned by Nigerians locally, were ones that made other countries to advance and compete with developed nations through cooperation and understanding between governments and the governed.

Dr Shakirat Ajenifujah-Solebo, Director, Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics Department, NBRDA acknowledged the role of faith-based organisation in reaching out to the people at the grassroots with accurate information about biotechnology.

She lauded the organisation for bringing the partnership to support technology in agriculture to enhance food production. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
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Science & Tech

Nigeria needs advanced satellites to cut $2bn annual capital flight- Expert

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By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

A Space Engineer, Prof. Spencer Onuh, has stated that Nigeria needs to acquire more advanced satellites to reduce capital flight on data and imagery sourcing, which costs the country over two billion dollars annually.

Onuh said this on Tuesday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, reflecting on the impact of the National Space Programme over the past 25 years.

He explained that satellite data is very expensive, with government institutions spending significant sums to acquire data and imagery from other countries.

“We have the challenge of capital flight on data and imagery because our satellites were designed with specific resolutions.

“These institutions are looking for a certain level of resolution which our satellites don’t have the capacity to provide, hence they go outside Nigeria to get them.

“Military standard is sub-one metre, and our own house resolution is 2.5 metres, it is a big challenge.

“Nigeria is losing 2 to 3 billion dollars annually on data, because data is expensive.

“If you are looking for data for town planning or the military, you need imagery from sub-one metre, 30cm, or 50cm resolution satellites,” he said.

According to Onuh, agencies seek such resolutions because they provide better value for their needs, and the demand for higher-resolution data is increasing rapidly.

He added that acquiring satellites with higher resolutions is capital-intensive but would save the country significant costs in the long run.

Onuh identified another challenge affecting Nigeria’s space programme: cloudy skies and environmental conditions, which make obtaining imagery with existing satellites difficult.

“We will need a Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite to solve the issue of cloud cover.

“We need to monitor our weather, which is becoming a major challenge this can be addressed with a meteorological satellite.

“If Nigeria is planning another phase of satellite design and manufacture to address the issue of cloud cover, we need to consider these factors.

“We also need to replace our communication satellite, which will soon be deorbited and may begin to decay in performance,” Onuh said.

He urged the Federal Government to commit to revolutionising the space programme, emphasising that it would benefit the entire country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)


Edited by Benson Iziama

Science & Tech

Nigeria to launch 4 satellites under Renewed Hope Agenda – Tinubu

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By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria will launch four satellites within the timeline of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Tinubu said this at the opening ceremony of the 25th Anniversary of Nigeria in Space in Abuja.

The anniversary celebration was organised by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), in collaboration with the Nigeria Communication Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) and the Defence Space Administration (DSA).

Tinubu, who was represented by Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, said that space was previously exclusive to developed countries, but the foresight of Nigerian leaders brought about Nigeria in space.

He said that the early foresight of the Nigerian leaders facilitated the enactment of the Space Act that led to establishment of NASRDA in 1999.

“Space is an area of limitless opportunities and one which the advanced countries of the world are relentlessly discovering on how the opportunities can be tapped for their advantage.

“It is obvious that Nigeria can not afford to lag in this global quest of discovering space, and how the knowledge from such discoveries can help in solving her internal issues for national development,” he said.

According to him, efforts have been made by NASRDA to develop major space programmes in collaboration with the Nigerian Military to develop capacity in the use of space for tactical services, among others.

“Today, the synergy between NASRDA, NigComSat and DSA has led into a tripodal support upon which an advanced and more robust national space programme will be built in the near future.

“All these giant strides made by this important sector of our dear country are notable and noble with the launch of seven satellites and efforts are on top gear to launch additional four satellites within the lifespan of this administration.

“Great effort should be made to ensure that the private sector is mainstreamed into the heart of our space programme for us to do more in the coming years for our national development,” Tinubu said.

He called on lawmakers to prioritise the funding for space programmes to ensure the country played leading roles in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The President also emphasised the need to strengthen the NASRDA Act, to help the Nigerian space ecosystem to be more vibrant in its engagements, locally and internationally.

“Similarly, the sector will require improved budgetary support to be able to accomplish its programmes, whose outcomes can bring massive socioeconomic dividends to Nigeria and her citizens.

“This will also solidify Nigeria’s standing as a leading space-faring country in Africa and further boost her image to competitively attract foreign direct investment because of our local advantage for cheaper launching services.”

According to him, Nigeria’s space programme remains a platform for the peaceful uses of space for national and global development.

“This restates our administration’s commitment to continue to support the space programme to accelerate technological and innovative development.

In his remarks, Nnaji, who was represented by Mrs Esuabana Nko-Asanye, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, said the World Economic Forum’s 2024 report projected the global space economy to reach about 1.8 trillion dollars by 2035.

The minister added that the growth would be driven by advances in satellite technology and industries like supply chain logistics, agriculture, among others.

He stated that the growth would also  impact the aerospace sector, communications and was expected to generate over 60 per cent of the new economic value from space-enabled technologies.

“Space technology offers transformative solutions to global challenges,from monitoring climate change and managing natural resources to enhancing disaster response capabilities.

“Reduced costs and heightened accessibility will encourage increased participation from non-space sectors, integrating space into the fabric of global infrastructure,” the minister said.

He commended the President for recognising the role of space technology in the Renewed Hope Agenda and approving some projects for the agency.

“The President approved the replacement of NASRDA’s Earth Observation satellites, ensuring the regulation of oversight functions of all space activities in the country and utilisation of space technology to monitor federal government revenues.”

Nnaji called on NASRDA to capitalise on the support of the Federal Government by expanding the revenue base through partnerships with the private sector.

According to him, the key areas of private sector engagement include commercial space travel, development of satellite technology,resource utilisation, investment in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) ventures, and technology transfer to drive industrial growth.

Earlier, the Director-General of NASRDA, Dr Matthew Adepoju, recalled that over the past 25 years, the Nigerian Space programme had been a beacon of Nigeria’s aspirations in space exploration and development, thereby placing the country on the global map of space-faring nations.

The D-G disclosed that Tinubu’s administration had recently approved for the development of four satellites, which included a Synthetic Aperture Radar (5AR) satellite and the first in Africa.

“This transformative project will be executed under a Public-Private partnership, ensuring the infusion of expertise and investment to accelerate implementation.

“These satellites will significantly enhance our capabilities in areas such as precision agriculture, disaster management, national security, and urban planning, while contributing to global scientific advancements.

“Furthermore, we are guided by the recent Presidential directive to integrate space technology into the operations of all revenue-generating agencies, departments, and ministries in Nigeria.

“This directive underscores the strategic importance of space technology in enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accountability across government functions, ultimately contributing to national development.”

The director-general restated the agency’s commitment to building the space programme in the country through transformational research and partnerships, building staff capacity and mainstreaming the private sector into space activities.

He said that over the years, the country had made remarkable strides in space technology, which included the launch of satellites that had impacted disaster management, security, among others.

“Nigeria’s space assets-including NigeriaSat-1, NigeriaSat-2, and NigeriaSat-X, NigComSat-1, among others are vital tools for national development.

“These satellites have supported critical disaster management, urban activities in security, health, agriculture, disaster immense value to planning, and broadband connectivity and advancing our nation’s reputation as a space-capable country,’’ he said.

According to him, today is a call to action and a reminder that our collective efforts will define the next chapter of Nigeria’s space exploration.Stakeholders, partners are invited to join us to transform our dreams to reality.

Mrs Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, Managing-Director of NIGCOMSAT, said the global space industry was evolving with huge opportunities which Nigeria should leverage.

Egerton-Idehen said, “This calls for sustained investment, robust policy support, and deeper collaborations to ensure that space technology continues to drive economic growth, foster security, and transform lives across Nigeria and beyond.

“Let this 25-year journey not just be a mark of our past, but a beacon guiding us toward an even brighter and more innovative future.”

Highlights of the event were the unveiling of a 25-year compendium of NASRDA activities and space awards presentations.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that President Tinubu was awarded with the Grand Patron of Space Award, while the anniversary is a week-long programme. (NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Science & Tech

TETFund, NGO synergise on promotion of local innovations

199 total views today

By Fortune Abang

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and Innov8 Hub, an NGO, say they will boost local innovations with commercial potential through the maiden National Research Fair (NRF) and “TETFAIR” cohorts in Nigeria.

Innov8 Hub provides technical and business support for the effective implementation of TETFAIR and the Research for Impact initiative by TETFund to promote local technologies and trade of scalable prototypes.

The duo disclosed this in a statement by Oche Anejo, Innov8 Hub’s Head of Creative Media, on Friday in Abuja ahead of the maiden TETFund NRF-Exhibition scheduled for Nov. 17 to Nov. 21.

“TETFAIR featured 28 exhibitions of innovative prototypes developed by members of the Nigerian Academia in collaboration with technical and business experts.

“An additional 12 prototypes from other Innov8 Hub and TETFund collaborative projects were showcased, representing a wide range of local innovations with commercial potential.

“This event highlights Innov8 Hub’s commitment to transforming research into market-ready solutions; providing a comprehensive display of functional prototypes aimed at attracting investment and sparking entrepreneurship.

“NRF proved TETFund and Innov8 Hub can bolster innovation through the showcase of 28 participants from the 2nd, 3rd and 4th cohorts of TETFAIR.”

Anejo commended the TETFAIR graduands who embarked on a transformative one-year journey with Innov8 Hub and refined their research into practical, market-ready products and prototypes.

“TETFAIR marked the successful patenting of some innovative prototypes and signaled a new era of research-driven development in Nigeria.

“The NRF/exhibition will further advance research, innovation and economic growth in Nigeria, as an annual event to create a platform for researchers, investors, manufacturers, policymakers and entrepreneurs to exhibit groundbreaking research and innovations.

“It is also to encourage partnerships that promote national development through homegrown solutions, reduce Nigeria’s dependency on foreign technology, stimulate job creation and drive wealth generation.

“It will feature innovations from universities, research institutes and colleges of education, alongside contributions from informal sectors, including independent creative and artisans, and promote exchange of ideas and innovations,” Anejo said. (NAN) (www.nannews.com)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Science & Tech

Association reassures Nigerians on safety of GMOs

293 total views today

By Sylvester Thompson

The Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN) has endorsed all commercially released Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and foods in Nigeria as natural and safe for humans, livestock and the environment.

The association disclosed this at the National Symposium on Biotechnology organised in honour of Prof. Vincent Tenebe, Chairman, Board of Trustees of the BSN on Monday in Abuja.

Tenebe noted that the controversy surrounding the safety of GMOs was a false narrative, propagated by anti-GMOs who don’t wish Nigeria or Africa to be food sufficient.

He said the issue was not about safety but business and that those against the technology were bent on keeping Africa perpetually reliant on food importation.

“God gave man the ability to change and modify to our own advantage and that is what we are doing with GMOs as biological scientists.

“Don’t be deceived by what anti-GMOs are telling you, GMO is natural, they are trying to bring confusing ideas whenever they see that Africa is about to have a breakthrough,’’ he said.

Tenebe, who is also the erstwhile Vice Chancellor of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), maintained that Africa remains the greatest centre of biodiversity, and its resources was in high demand.

He said contrary to opinions of ant-GMOs, there was nothing wrong with GMO, hence Nigerians should not allow themselves to be used to cause confusion.

“As scientists, we are just trying to express what we have discovered from science and nobody can change it, and we must respect plants because through plants we have wisdom,’’ Tenebe added.

Dr Sylvester Oikeh, TELA Maize Project Manager, Africa Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), who was the keynote speaker, made a presentation on, “The safety history of TELLA Maize’’.

Oikeh concluded that genetically engineered crops such as TELA maize are safe because of rigorous biosafety regulatory approval process involved.

According to him, strategic combination of conventional breeding and transgenic technology has resulted in 53 TELA registered, climate-smart hybrids, with four released in Nigeria.

He noted that this had the potential to transform maize production amid climate change.

He stressed that there was urgent need to address negative impacts of NGOs opposing GMOs in Africa, especially in Nigeria because their actions are a huge threat to national food and nutrition security.

Earlier, Prof. Sylvia Uzochukwu, President of the BSN, remarked that presently, one of the burning issues of biotechnology was GMOs, specifically genetically modified foods, vaccines, especially molecular vaccines that saved the world from COVID-19.

“To address burning food security concerns in the country, Nigerian scientists have worked for more than 20 years to deploy the science of genetic engineering in the solution of Nigeria’s pressing food problems.

“The result was the insect resistant beans launched in 2021, the insect and drought resistant maize launched this year, as well as insect resistant cotton commercialized in 2018.”

“The new genetically modified (GM) insect resistant beans will, all things being equal, rid the beans fields of maruka insect devastation and bring beans within reach of the common man again,’’ Uzochukwu said.

The BSN president stated that TELA maize has been developed to tackle new pests such as the fall army worms which have been laying waste to corn fields.

She expressed optimism that the GM maize would bring down, not just the cost of maize or corn and its products, but also the cost of meat as livestock feed was highly dependent on corn.

According to her, these products will also protect consumers from cancer which arises when insects damage grains and moulds grow on them and produce mycotoxins which cause cancer.

Dr Agnes Asagbra, Director General, National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), said the theme of the conference, “GMOs and Vaccines; Myths, Advances and Prospects,’’ was timey.

She said the theme addressed some of the most critical issues facing science, healthcare and agriculture in Nigeria and across the globe.

Asagbra, who was represented by Hauwa Ahmed, Acting Director, Biosafety Enforcement and Operations, said the role of biotechnology has become more significant as Nigeria continue to navigate a rapidly evolving world.

High point of the event was the presentation of awards of selfless service and excellence to deserving scientists.

BSN is a professional and scientific association that promotes biotechnological activities to positively impact nations’ aspirations for food security, improved healthcare delivery, a clean environment and sustainable economic growth. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

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