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It is Time for Nigeria to Take Her Place Among Global Great Nations- Nnaji
It is Time for Nigeria to Take Her Place Among Global Great Nations- Nnaji
By: Michael Mike
The Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji has said the time has come for Nigeria to take her place among great nations on the globe.
He said: “In today’s rapidly evolving world, the pace of technological advancements is not just fast; it is exponential. Nations that have recognized and harnessed the power of research, development, and innovation are leading the charge towards economic prosperity, societal well-being, and sustainable development. It is time for Nigeria to take its rightful place among these nations.”
The Minister said this on Monday in Abuja during the opening of the National Research, Development and Innovation Coordination Summit.
He said for Nigeria “to achieve this, we must first acknowledge that our RDI ecosystem requires robust coordination, one that is resilient, inclusive, and forward-thinking. Our goal is to create a system where academia, industry, government, and the community not only interact but thrive together, fostering an environment ripe for groundbreaking innovations.”
He added that: “Our vision for Nigeria is to become a hub for African innovation, contributing significantly to the global knowledge economy. This can be achieved by implementing a three-pronged approach:
“Strengthening Institutional Frameworks:
It is imperative that we build and strengthen the institutional frameworks necessary for effective RDI coordination. This includes policy reforms that incentivize research and development, protect intellectual properties, and facilitate the commercialization of research outcomes.
“Fostering Public-Private Partnerships: The collaboration between the public sector, private industry, and academic institutions is crucial. By fostering partnerships that leverage the strengths of each sector, we can accelerate the translation of research into market-ready solutions that address our most pressing challenges.
“Investing in Human Capital: At the heart of any successful RDI ecosystem are the people. Investing in education and training to build a skilled workforce ready to navigate and lead in the Fourth Industrial Revolution is non-negotiable. We must nurture our young talents and provide them with the platforms to excel and innovate.”
The Minister said with the theme of the gathering being: “Advancing Nigeria’s Global Competitiveness, Through a Resilient National RDI Coordination,’’ it is not just a statement of intent; it is a clarion call to action.
He added that: “The journey to enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness through resilient RDI coordination is a collective endeavor.
“We want to bring out all the innovations, the researches we have in the shelf and develop them and that is the fulcrum of my involvement as a minister.”
Chief Strategy Officer of West and Central African Research and Education Network ( WACREN), Mr Omo Oaiya, said one of the things they do was the Pan-African Initiative to Strengthen Open Science in Africa.
He said: “As part of that, we are also working with countries in different events like this to drive cooperation and collaboration so that we can reap the benefits of such an endeavor.
“So RIKE SD is our local facilitator here. But between both of us, we have been able to create a new impetus in the Nigerian RDI coordination space.
“The main goal of this activity is to bring the different RDI actors together to look at a way of co-creating a future that we can build on.
“We are trying to align this with the presidential priorities that have been announced and the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Oaiya also said the essence of the summit was to bring international connections to support activity within Nigeria to drive RDI forward.
Global Impact lead, Research for Impact Knowledge Economy and Sustainable Development( RIKE SD), Dr Mustapha Popoola, on his part said part of what they are trying to do today was what we call research, development, innovation coordination.
He explained that “RIKE SD is a Nigerian non-for-profit organisation that has a Pan-African scope.
“We are the first research as a service organisation in Nigeria who is looking at taking research, development, innovation, outcomes and output from Nigeria to other African countries.
“For the first time we know that for us to have results based on the directive of Mr. President, we should actually institutionalise the use of research and development outcomes in ministry agencies and departments.
“it is important for us to get coordinated and know what we can offer. We are using an approach, we call it pentagonal nexus whereby the government is going to be working alongside with the industry, academia, and at the same time we are focusing on the community that are going to use those outcomes of research at community level.”
President-elect Nigerian Academy of Science, Prof. Abubakar Sambo, said the summit is expected to look into the eight areas of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
It will bring out how research and development, and in particular science, technology and innovation research can be used to significantly impact those eight areas of Mr. President.
“It is to bring up what are needed to be undertaken to boost development of the country through programs that involve research, development and innovation, and also through policy making.
“It is very important for the MDAs to incorporate in their yearly programs, aspects that will be boosted through the outputs of research, development and innovation activities”, Sani said.
Also speaking, Chairman Tech India Ltd, Dr. Shabihul Hassan,, said that the whole concept of research, development and innovation is collaboration.
“We have been connecting, collaborating with intellectuals, with members of the public and private sector to see how we can foster growth in the agri-sector, in the health sector, in the power sector, in the infrastructure sector.
“The key is teamwork. This is teamwork within the country, outside the country, collaborating nationally, internationally, and collaborating between the public and private sectors.
“So the private sector sets the way, it sets the standard. The public sector competes. The public sector also becomes competent, equally competent. So it’s collaborative work.
“The purpose of conferences like this is to bring people together, especially intellectuals, people with knowledge, different backgrounds, different countries. And that is the key to development,” he said.
Highlights of the conference is the call by all stakeholders thar there is urgent need for the creation of National Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) ecosystem in Nigeria.
It is Time for Nigeria to Take Her Place Among Global Great Nations- Nnaji
NMA: Zulum congratulates newly elected President, Prof Bala
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, extended his warm congratulations to Professor Bala Muhammad Audu on his victory in the recent Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) election held during its annual delegates conference in Calabar on Saturday.
Zulum, in a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Abdurrahman Ahmed Bundi, on Sunday, tasked Professor Bala to be dedicated and steadfast in transforming the medical profession.
He said, “As you prepare to take on the immense responsibilities that come with the highest office in the Nigerian Medical Association, I urge you to remember the core values that have guided your journey thus far: honesty, humility and a steadfast dedication to your duties.
“The challenges ahead are great, but with your wisdom and vision, I am confident that you will steer the affairs of the medical association towards attaining enhanced medical education and improving access to healthcare.”
“I implore you to prioritise technology and innovation to modernise healthcare delivery and promote evidence-based healthcare service delivery across the country,” Zulum said.
Prof. Bala’s emergence was announced on Saturday by the Nigerian Medical Association via its social media page, X, formerly known as Twitter.
Eight national officers emerged, including 1st Vice President – Benjamin Olowojebutu, 2nd Vice President- Usha Anenga and Ben Egbo as Secretary General.
Prof. Bala Audu, an indigene of Borno, is a highly accomplished Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist with extensive experience and a strong academic background. His career spans several prestigious institutions in Nigeria, where he has held various leadership positions.
Dr. Bala has been a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, since 2009. He also held the position of Professor and Provost at the College of Medical Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria, from 2017 Health Sciences, Azare.
NMA: Zulum congratulates newly elected President, Prof Bala
Dabiri-Erewa Lauds Duke, Duchess of Sussex for Invictus Games Centre in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has commended the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, for their innumerable philanthropic works to society, especially for injured, sick and traumatised soldiers and war veterans.
She gave the commendatio at the welcome banquet held in their honour by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, in Abuja.
The NiDCOM Chairman/CEO stated that the kind gesture from them will empower the wounded soldiers, who have sacrificed their lives to protect the country.
“The initiative for the proposal to cite the Invictus Centre in Nigeria to support the categories of soldiers mentioned above is not only laudable but also a testament of our commitment as a country to look after those who have suffered in one way or the other in the line of duty to protect our nation”, she said.
The NiDCOM boss added that this visit would also boost Nigeria’s quest and interest to host the Invictus Games 2027 and enhance the proposal to cite the Invictus Centre in Nigeria in support of the wounded, injured and sick war veterans, among others.
In addition, Dabiri-Erewa who learnt that Meghan Markle is 43 percent Nigerian after having her genealogy (DNA) done in 2022, commended the Duchess for being an embodiment of the Nigerian woman and her activities towards women and girl-child empowerment.
She used the opportunity to welcome the Duchess to Nigeria and extended an invitation to attend the Annual Badagry Door of Return Festival in Lagos.
Prince Harry, who is the founder of the Invictus Games Foundation stated that in the 10 years of the Invictus Games, one remarkable moment was to have the Nigerian team win gold and bronze medals at their first outing in the 2023 games held in Düsseldorf, Germany.
He expressed his pleasure at Nigeria joining the Invictus Games and hoped to witness more participation.
Also, the Duke of Sussex is certain that the proposed Invictus Games Centre in Nigeria will bring succour to the injured, sick and traumatised army men and women.
The Duke, who served as a member of the Royal Armed Forces in the UK, assured his commitment in collaborating with the Nigerian Armed Forces, especially with the Centre in Nigeria, which he is enthusiastic about.
He further appreciated the warm hospitality he and his wife had received since their arrival to Nigeria, while calling on everyone to support and respect the Armed Forces, especially the injured soldiers.
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar was delighted that such a facility will be built in the country adding that this gesture is apt, given the sacrifices the soldiers have made to defend the country.
Also, Major General Uche Agbor representing the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, said that the Nigerian Army will continually cater to the welfare of its soldiers, especially post-war and injured ones.
He thanked the royal couple for choosing Nigeria to build a centre during this historic visit, which he believes will rehabilitate the victims to become the best versions of themselves, irrespective of the present challenge facing them.
In addition, Hajia Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, wife of the Minister of Budget and Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu said she is pleased at their visit to help the wounded soldiers.
Bagudu who is an advocate for girl-child education, as well as, cancer patients, especially for women, noted that this will go a long way to give hope to the army personnels who were injured in their line of duty.
Furthermore, the Chief of tDefence Staff added that Nigeria was well represented at its first participation at the Invictus Games last year where the
players who despite all odds, excelled greatly, showing that limitation is of the mind, and everyone can be great in whatever field they find themselves.
Some of the major highlights were the gift presentations of African attire by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and another by the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) in conjunction with the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) to the Duke and Duchess.
The royal couple arrived in Nigeria on Friday, at the invitation of General Christopher Gwabin Musa, following the nation’s maiden appearance at the 2023 Invictus Games, held in Düsseldorf, Germany.
The Invictus Games Foundation “offers a recovery pathway for international wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women (WIS)”. The Foundation “collaborates to provide opportunities for post-traumatic growth: enabling those involved to reclaim their purpose, identity and future, beyond injury”.
Dabiri-Erewa Lauds Duke, Duchess of Sussex for Invictus Games Centre in Nigeria
Zulum condoles Buni over death of Emir of Tikau
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has extended his commiseration to the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, following the demise of the Emir of Tikau, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Ibn Grema.
Governor Zulum received the shocking news of the death of one of Yobe’s first-class emirs, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Ibn Grema, while on an official trip to New York City.
Zulum’s condolence message was released Saturday night by his SSA on New Media, Abdurrahman Ahmed Bundi.
The release quoted the Governor saying, “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the Emir of Tikau and I extend my heartfelt condolences to Governor Mai Mala Buni, the people of Tikau Emirate and the entire Yobe State during this difficult time.”
He added, “the loss of a respected figure like the Emir of Tikau is a tragedy. His contributions to the community and his legacy will be remembered and cherished by all who know him. His wisdom, kindness, and leadership have left an indelible mark on the hearts of many.”
The late emir died on Friday after a brief illness in Postiskum town; he died at the age of 70 after spending 25 years on the throne.
Zulum condoles Buni over death of Emir of Tikau
Boko Haram terrorist Alhaji Wosai Surrender to troops in Borno
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Dabiri-Erewa Lauds Duke, Duchess of Sussex for Invictus Games Centre in Nigeria
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