The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu has said that the 2021 edition of the Science, Technology, and Innovation EXPO is key to the nation’s drive towards economic diversification.
Onu made this known at a world press conference on the forthcoming 2021 Science, Technology, and Innovation Expo on Friday in Abuja.
He said that the event is unique and valuable in bringing together researchers, inventors, innovators, and investors together with the main aim of converting ideas into products and services.
The minister said the Expo would be taking place from Monday, 15 to 19 March 2021 at Eagle Square Abuja, adding that the EXPO is not a trade fair, but a centre of intense activity for the conversion of ideas into products and services.
He further reiterated that the technology and innovation Expo is a major instrument for the commercialisation of research findings into products that are needed both home and abroad.
According to him, the Expo is important to the nation in various socio-economic areas, especially in ensuring that the enormous natural resources of the nation are well exploited.
“Nigeria is well endowed with mineral resources which if well harnessed would be of great economic benefits to the nation,” he said
Onu stated that the ministry is working hard to develop policies and programmes to move Nigeria’s economy from being dependent on natural resources to knowledge and innovation-driven ones.
Onu said: We are convinced that with hard work and determination, we will achieve an economy that is knowledge-based and innovation-driven, making us more productive and competitive to achieve a bright future for our dear nation”.
The Expo, according to the minister said, will include an opening ceremony, technical sessions, platforms for interaction between investors, innovators, and researchers, and a presentation of the best three young scientists in the country.
He, therefore, invited all Nigerians, research institutes, universities, Federal/State MDA’s, Polytechnics, Industrial laboratories, Organised Private Sector, and the general public to the event.
He emphasised that Covid-19 precautions and measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of all stakeholders and participants at the event.
