Science - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Philip Daniel Yatai
Dec, Fri, 2024

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

Muhyideen Jimoh
Nov, Tue, 2024

Economy/Business

We are leveraging on artificial intelligence to reposition mining – President Tinubu

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By Martha Agas

President Bola Tinubu says that his administration is leveraging advanced technology in mining operations as part of efforts to reposition the sector.

President Tinubu stated this while declaring open the ninth Nigeria Mining Week on Tuesday in Abuja.

“Our administration is leveraging on advanced technology or artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and data analytics to revolutionise exploration, extraction, and processing,” he said.

Represented by the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, he said that in the rapidly evolving world, technological innovation was essential to remain competitive on the global stage.

The president stated that his ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ administration was committed to driving a mining sector that serves as a global model of innovation, resilience, and sustainable development.

Tinubu further said that the mining sector was being revamped through reforms to adapt to the changing landscape and strengthen the local economy.

“These reforms underscore our commitment to fair revenue distribution, environmental sustainability, and social economic welfare of our communities, ensuring that the wealth of Nigeria`s resources benefits every citizen.

According to the president, through strategic global partnerships, Nigeria was unlocking new markets and showcasing its mineral wealth on the international scene.

He said that the summit provides an opportunity for stakeholders to assess the mining sector and chart a course for its transformation.

“We gather not just to convene but to chart a transformative path for Nigeria`s mining industry, an industry brimming with the potential to fuel our economy and secure a future of shared prosperity,” he said.

In his remarks, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, said that the Tinubu administration has introduced policies and regulations aimed at addressing the gaps in the solid minerals sector.

Alake stated that the policies include a value addition policy requiring investors to present plans for adding value to minerals before exporting them from the country.

He pointed out that a dual-pronged approach was adopted to address illegal mining and secure mining sites across the country, utilising both coercive and persuasive measures.

He explained that, through the coercive method, a special security unit was established, deploying mining marshals to secure sites, adding that the unit has arrested 300 illegal miners.

“We are also introducing satellite technology monitoring to aid monitoring, “ he said.

He said a new regime of mining rates was introduced to sanitise the sector and create opportunities for serious investors, who have been entering the sector in droves.

He expressed confidence that the mining industry would continue to grow as a cornerstone of Nigeria`s economy with the collaboration of all stakeholders.

The minister expressed hope that the exchange of ideas at the conference would help ensure the country’s mineral wealth generates sustainable economic growth.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for the mining week is ‘From the Inside Out: Building the Mining Sector to be the Cornerstone of the Economy’. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Peter Amine

Muhyideen Jimoh
Nov, Wed, 2024

Science & Tech

Minister calls for implementation of STI policies for national devt

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By Sylvester Thompson

Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology has underscored the need for the full implementation of the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policies to drive national development.

The minister made the call at the eight edition of the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology Media Award Ceremony and Gala Night on Tuesday in Abuja.

He stressed that Nigeria’s vision to drive development shall remain just an agenda discussed in workshops and conferences unless the critical role science and technology plays in daily life is recognised.

Nnaji noted that though various governments across the continent acknowledged the importance of integrating science and technology into their development agendas, many have not gone beyond organising conferences and workshops.

He decried the fact that many of these plans still remain on paper, adding that numerous trained scientists keep departing Nigeria in search of better opportunities abroad.

“We are in effect producing doctors and researchers for the developed world, while many of our own hospitals are struggling with shortages of personnel.

“This is a critical issue that the media must highlight, it is time for our governments to implement deliberate policies that promote science and technology,’’ he said.

According to him, this will provide the motivation and incentives necessary for Nigerian scientists to stay and contribute to the development of Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

The minister urged the media to promote local content, stressing that in spite of challenges, Nigerian scientists continue to innovate.

“Science is a global endeavour, and Nigeria will continue to explore its potential to improve the lives of citizens, especially in the areas of food security and nutrition,’’ Nnaji said.

Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) said biotechnology has emerged as a beacon of hope in the field of agriculture.

He said that the technology offered innovative solutions to pressing challenges confronting contemporary society.

“From climate change-induced stresses to the need for increased food production, to feeding a growing global population, the science of biotechnology has provided us with tools and techniques to navigate these complex issues,’’ he said.

Mustapha noted that the theme of the event, “Inform, Educate, Inspire: Celebrating Exceptional Agricultural Biotech Reporting,’’ was aptly chosen.

According to the D-G, information is power, and media is the guiding light, serving as a bridge that connects advancements and breakthroughs in biotechnology to the broader public.

He said the OFAB media award serve as a testament to the importance of responsible journalism and media communication in the critical field of biotechnology.

Dr Rose Gidado, Director, Agricultural Biotechnology department of the NBRDA noted that a broad and collaborative partnership had been fostered between OFAB and the media over the last eight years.

“The platform has not just recognised excellence in science journalism, it has fundamentally transformed the narrative around biotechnology in Nigeria.

“The partnership and dedication journalists have shown in the discharge of their responsibilities have positively impacted public perception and understanding of biotechnology application in agriculture,’’ she said.

Gidado said that efforts of science journalists was instrumental in Nigeria’s successful commercialisation of several significant biotech crops including genetically modified beans and TELA maize.

Dr Jean Baptiste, the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) Regional Representative, remarked that science and technology was fundamental drivers of progress, especially in agriculture.

“Innovations in agricultural biotechnology, mechanisation, and climate-smart practices hold the potential to address food insecurity, improve livelihoods, and empower small holder farmers across Africa,’’ Baptiste said.

Dr Umar Bindir, Former Director General of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion, (NOTAP), the keynote speaker, made a presentation on: “The Media and Intellectual Property Rights: What Journalists must know.’’

Highpoint of the event was presentation of awards of recognition to journalists who emerged winners in various media categories.

Mr Oche Odeh, of Africa STI, an online media was declared the overall winner. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

Ismail Abdulaziz
Oct, Thu, 2024

Economy/Business

FG considers PPPs to fund key science, technology projects

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Okeoghene Akubuike

The Federal Government says it is considering private sector funding through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) for key projects in the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.

This is contained in a statement issued by Ifeanyi Nwoko, the Acting Head, Media and Publicity, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) in Abuja on Thursday.

Nwoko said Dr Jobson Ewalefoh, the Director-General (D-G) of ICRC, said this when he paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr Uche Nnaji.

Nwoko said the meeting, initiated by the ICRC D-G, aimed to foster partnership between the two government bodies to leverage PPPs for projects that enhance the nation’s economic and technological growth.

Ewalefoh said that science and technology if properly deployed, could serve as a key driver of the economic growth and progress of Nigeria.

“Many countries around the world have used science and technology to drive the economic growth and prosperity of their country and people.

“We are here to brainstorm with you and find ways by which we can deepen the usage of science and technology for the advancement of our country.

“Over the last two decades, countries and businesses have harnessed technology and innovation for upscaling their economy and improving the efficiency in their service delivery.

“That is where we want our country to go, and we believe that is the vision you are championing under the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

“It is, therefore, my aspiration that your ministry will partner with the ICRC to see areas where we can champion private sector funding through PPP to develop some of the projects specific to the ministry,” he said.

The D-G informed the minister that there was already a collaboration with an agency under its purview but stressed that there were other key areas where PPP could be harnessed to deliver laudable projects in the ministry.

He said that the commission had streamlined its processes to accelerate PPP project delivery as well as deliver important services to the Nigerian people.

Ewalefoh pointed out that some key private sector operators had already verbalised their desire to work with the ministry in a PPP arrangement.

Responding, Nnaji expressed his excitement at the appointment of the D-G, saying that Ewalefoh’s wealth of experience would revolutionise the PPP sphere in Nigeria.

“Indeed, a square peg has been placed in a square hole,” he said

The minister emphasised that the ministry served as a key enabler of economic growth and has had the support of Tinubu which was demonstrated through major approvals granted the ministry.

He said that the president had approved methanol production, saying that although the implementation process was still being finalised, foreign direct investments for the project had reached more than 1.5 billion dollars.

“We want to go into beneficiation of raw materials and we have the Presidential Executive Order No 5 to back it, such that we don’t have to export our raw materials, but process it to a level before exporting.

“We are looking at doing green hydrogen too,” he said.

Nnaji noted that Nigeria could make a lot more from cassava export than it was currently making if the raw cassava was processed before export.

“We believe that with ICRC, we will partner in doing things right and enabling us to forge a better outlook for most of these projects.

“In methanol, we are going to involve ICRC more closely to see the way forward and how it can benefit the country better.

“I am happy that you are here; coming here shows that you know what you are doing. You are taking services to those that need it,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams