WordPress

Author: Sylvester Thompson

  • Biotechnology requires robust regulatory frameworks—NBRDA D-G

    Prof Abdullahi Mustapha, D-G, NBRDA

     

     

    Biotech

    By Sylvester Thompson

    Abuja, June 26, 2024(NAN) Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director-General, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), says biotechnology requires robust regulatory frameworks to overcome regulatory hurdles facing its adoption.

    Mustapha made this submission in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

    The director-general, who was reacting to the challenges and ethical considerations surrounding biotechnology in Nigeria, said it needed ethical guidelines, stakeholder engagements and technology transfer mechanisms.

    According to him, in understanding biotechnology, it harnesses biological processes, organisms or systems to develop innovative products and solutions.

    “The benefits of biotechnology are far-reaching, cutting across sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, environment and industry.

    “Biotechnology offers environmental solutions such as environmental sustainability through bio-remediation, waste management and renewable energy production.

    “Bio-remediation is a branch of biotechnology that employs the use of microbes and bacteria to decontaminate affected parts.

    “Microbial bio-remediation techniques clean up contaminated environments, reducing environmental degradation and associated economic costs.’’

    The NBRDA boss also explained that in the area of sustainable industrial development, industrial biotechnology promoted sustainable production processes and products.

    “Bio-based materials, renewable fuels, and biodegradable plastics are examples of industrial biotechnology applications.

    “Adoption of industrial biotechnology fosters environmental conservation and economic opportunities in renewable industries.

    “In the area of healthcare advancements, healthcare adoption of biotechnology reduces healthcare costs and stimulates economic growth.

    “Biotechnology innovations transform healthcare through personalised medicine, advanced diagnostics and novel treatments,” he said.

    Mustapha added that biopharmaceuticals derived from biotechnology processes offered targeted therapies for various diseases. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    SET/AYO/CJ/

    ==========

    Edited by Ayodeji Alabi and Chijioke Okoronkwo

     

     

  • Foundation urges wealthy Nigerians to give back to society

    Society

    By Sylvester Thompson

    Abuja, June 25, 2024(NAN) The Hajiya Hadiza Umar Foundation has called on wealthy Nigerians to contribute to nation building by giving back to society.

    Amb. Hajiya Hadiza, Founder of the foundation, who made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja, said such gesture would bring succour to the poor and less privileged.

    The philanthropist urged privileged and well positioned Nigerians not to sit on the fence and watch poor people grapple with their livelihood.

    She said that nation building also involved touching and impacting positively on the livelihood of the less-privileged in communities and neighbourhoods.

    Umar said that giving back to society should be a prerogative of well meaning Nigerians who had made it to the apex of their careers and businesses.

    “There is no better period to demonstrate and act out the role of nation building than now; when the government is trying to re-position our country for the future.

    “People are really feeling the pressure presently and the task of nation building should not be left for the Federal Government alone.

    “Nation building is a collective responsibility and wealthy Nigerians who have amassed wealth should also take the lead,” she said.

    On how the government can drive the process of nation building effectively, she said that government should supervise and monitor the process by giving responsibility to credible people who could be trusted to deliver on the job.

    Umar said that some insincere and greedy individuals existed to channel the commonwealth into their private pockets, adding that government should be critical when giving responsibilities.

    She said that the dividends of democracy would not get to the poor unless there was sanity enshrined in the process.

    Umar said she drew inspiration from the challenges she faced in her early life, urging Nigerians to bear with the President Bola Tinubu-led administration as there was light at the end of the tunnel. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

     

    SET/OJI/CJ/

    ==========

    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka and Chijioke Okoronkwo

     

     

  • Expert advocates agricultural innovation, technology to drive productivity

    Prof Olalekan Akinbo

     

    Expert advocates agricultural innovation, technology to drive productivity

    Technology

    By Sylvester Thompson

    Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) Prof.  Olalekan Akinbo, expert at the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), has called for adoption of agricultural innovation and technology to increase agricultural productivity, sustainability and growth in the agricultural sector in Nigeria.

    Akinbo, Technical Lead, Genome Editing Programme of AUDA-NEPAD Centre of Excellence in Science, Technology and Innovation, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

    The expert said agricultural innovation and technology adoption play a crucial role in transforming the agricultural sector.

    He said farmers can increase their productivity, enhance food security, and contribute to rural development by embracing innovative technologies

    “Nigeria, blessed with a large agricultural base, promoting innovation and technology adoption, is key to addressing challenges, such as low productivity, post-harvest losses and limited access to markets.

    ” Agricultural innovation and technology adoption can significantly increase productivity by improving farming practices, enhancing crop yield and optimising resource utilisation ,” Akinbo said.

    According to him, genome editing is an example of innovative technology that can boost productivity and efficiency in Nigerian agriculture.

    The expert said that with a growing population and increasing food demand, ensuring food security was a critical challenge for Nigeria.

    Akinbo said that sustainable agricultural practices were essential for preserving the environment, conserving natural resources and mitigating climate change. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    SET/NNO/JPE

    ===========

    Edited by Nick Nicholas/ Joseph Edeh

     

     

  • Nigeria, U.S firm sign MoU on human space flight

    MoU

    By Sylvester Thompson/Ijeoma Olorunfemi

    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a U.S firm, Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA), on Human Space Flight programme, aimed at sending the first Nigerian to space.

    The National Space Research and Development Agency (NARSDA) signed the MoU on behalf of the Federal Government in Abuja on Wednesday.

    The Director-General of NASRDA, Dr Matthew Adepoju, said the event marked the commencement of the agency’s efforts to implement part of its mandate of human space flight.

    “The Human Space Flight programme is one of the cardinal objectives of National Space Policy and Programme.

    “It was with this in mind that we established the Department of Physical and Life Sciences about three years ago to forge this mandate.

    “This is also coming as one of our deep space exploration because there are many spinoffs that will come from the collaboration and opportunities opened for Nigerians,’’ director-general said

    According to him, the agency is committed to ensure Nigerian is sent to space.

    In his remarks, Mr Sam Hutchison, Co-founder of SERA, said the human space flight programme gave Nigerians opportunity to choose who they want to send to space.

    “The process of application would be open to anybody in Nigeria who is up to 18 years of age, there are no other qualification required.

    ” You will be able to sign up and then encourage others to vote for you, as part of democratic process, the Nigerian people will select four potential astronaut candidates before a final selection process.

    “The important thing to understand is that anybody can apply, you don’t have to be a scientist, mathematician, engineer,” Hutchison said.

    He disclosed that it was about opening up access to ordinary Nigerians and giving them opportunity to be the first Nigerian in space.

    He said that the selection process would be open and fully run by SERA platform where anybody would be welcome to apply.

    He said Nigeria was chosen because the country had indicated serious intent in regard to future space exploration.

    He said the programme was to raise awareness among young people in Nigeria, adding that if they get into science, technology, engineering and mathematics, they can go to space.

    “There are billions of dollars being invested in the commercial development of in-space activities and Nigeria should be part of it,” Hutchison said.

    Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, in a remark, said that human space flight was a key objective of Nigeria.

    He said the National Space Policy and Programme (NSPP), approved by the Federal Executive Council in 2001, identified human space flight as one of its three pillars.

    “According to the 25-year roadmap approved in 2005 for the implementation of the NSPP, our first human space flight was scheduled for 2018.

    “This means we are about six years behind schedule,” Nnaji said.

    He stated that the signing of the MoU was a testament to the rigorous efforts of the ministry in the past months. (NAN) www nannews.ng

    SET/NIU/ADA

    Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

  • NACETEM to revamp vocational education in Nigeria

    Dr Olushola Odusanya, DG, NACETEM

    NACETEM to revamp vocational education in Nigeria

    Trainings

    By Sylvester Thompson

    Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Dr Olushola Odusanya, Director General, National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), on Wednesday said that the Centre was poised to revamp interest in vocational education.

    Odusanya in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said this had become imperative as 70 per cent of job opportunities existed in vocational training.

    He explained that a reliable way of infusing knowledge into the informal sector was to focus on vocational training.

    He, however, said that revamping interest in vocational education called for right investments and issuance of quality certificates as well as quality accreditations.

    He disclosed that NACETEM as a Certiport training and certification centre had structured trainings in which certificates were offered.

    “These certification schemes are now for vocationally trained people and their numbers are also very large, probably larger than other trainees.

    “These are people required in the economy and we feel this would be of particular interest to politicians because they need to empower their voting population,” Odusanya said.

    The NACETEM boss explained that the Academy which was formed in partnership with a private firm was a huge Learning Management System (LMT), which provided for the trainings, thereby allowing several people to come on board.

    He restated that acquisition of vocational skills was quite important, especially to people who were not necessarily educated but required some form of skills.

    He reiterated that vocational training encompassed all of these. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SET/DCO/AMM
    =============

    Edited by Deborah Coker and Abiemwense Moru

     

  • Foundation urges government to end insurgency in Nigeria 

    Hajiya Hadiza Umar

     

    Foundation

    By Sylvester Thompson

    Abuja, June 18, 2024(NAN) Amb. Hajiya Hadiza Umar, the founder of Hajiya Hadiza Foundation, has called on the government at all levels and the international community to intensify efforts to end the insurgency.

    Umar said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday.

    She said that the insurgency had put democracy under serious tension by raising the level of uncertainty.

    According to her, insurgency has affected the economy while leaving the populace disillusioned and disenchanted.

    She said that the foundation was established to honour the memory of Mamman Vatsa, a former general of the Nigerian Army, with a mission to empower women and vulnerable groups, especially widows among others.

    Umar said she drew inspiration from the challenges she faced in her early life, urging Nigerians not to give up hope in the Tinubu-led administration, as there was light at the end of the tunnel.

    She recalled how she lost both her mother, father and 13 siblings, leaving her with an only surviving brother.

    Umar said that she was able to survive the traumatic experiences and daunting challenges life threw on her while finding meaning in her sufferings.

    She noted that establishing a foundation to cater for women’s empowerment, education of children and enriching communities was a way of giving back to society. (NAN)

    SET/DE/AWA
    ===========

    Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Olawunmi Ashafa

  • Nigeria, EU strengthen bilateral agreement on STI

    Nnaji, Isopi and the permanent secretary

     

    Agreement

    By Sylvester Thompson

    Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Nigeria and the European Union (EU) have strengthened bilateral agreement on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), to harness transformative power of technology for mutual growth.

    Ms Samuela Isopi, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said this on Thursday when she led a delegation on a courtesy visit to Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, in Abuja.

    Isopi said the purpose of the visit was to strengthen the EU bilateral agreement with Nigeria on STI.

    “We are very pleased because science, technology and innovation in today’s world are crucial to development and to all sectors, be it energy, climate change, food security among others.

    “Research is really at the centre and very important to all sectors,’’ she said

    Nnaji said the meeting was a crucial step in harnessing the transformative power of technology for mutual growth and development.

    The minister, who said innovation and research were key to progress, said that the ministry was committed to fostering joint research centres in areas of renewable and climate-smart agriculture.

    “By leveraging the expertise and resources of our European partners, we aim to drive technological advancements and address shared regional challenges.

    “Additionally, we are keen to collaborate on establishing innovation hubs to support start-ups and SMEs in fields like artificial intelligence,’’ Nnaji said.

    According to him, investment in scientific research and development is vital for economic growth and Nigeria is committed to creating conducive environment for such investments.

    He said the EU Erasmus and Horizon programmes enhanced educational and research exchange between Nigeria and Europe.

    He added that Nigeria’s participation in the programme would be increased by streamlining the application process and providing dedicated support.

    The minister said that the upcoming EU Innovation Forum, slated for July in Lagos, would be a significant milestone through the collaboration.

    (NAN) www.nannews.ng

    SET/ADA

    Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
    ======

  • FCT residents laud NGO for food items, cash donation

    Hajiya Hadiza Umar, donating food and cash items to a beneficiary

     

    FCT residents laud NGO for food items, cash donation

    Items

    By Sylvester Thompson

    Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Residents of Nyanya community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have commended the Hajiya Hadiza Foundation for giving them food items, clothes and cash, for the Eid El –kabir celebration.

    One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Comfort Ibiang, a widow, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja, said she was surprised at the gifts she received from the foundation.

    “I am surprised for a woman to do what she is doing. You can see we are all happy.

    “We are widows and less privileged and for her to come to our aid, through the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, I am so grateful,” Ibiang said.

    Ibiang, who appreciated the efforts of the founder of the foundation, called on the government and stakeholders to also assist them.

    Mr Iyke Vincent, another beneficiary, said he was highly impressed and excited by the opportunity the occasion offered him and other less privileged people of the community.

    “I never knew something like this can come up at a time like this considering the economic challenges of the nation and the situation of things.

    “People are really hungry and for somebody to come at a time like this and alleviate our burden, no matter how little, is commendable.

    “People in the Nyanya community are truly happy and we are celebrating her from the depths of our hearts,” Vincent said.

    Earlier, Amb. Hajiya Hadiza Umar, the founder told NAN that giving back to the society was what gave her joy.

    “Today is one of my happiest days because it’s what I love to do to put smiles on people’s faces,” she said.

    She explained that her foundation was non-profit, committed to making a positive impact and to inspire hope for all Nigeria widows, orphans, less privileged and vulnerable people.

    She said her vision was to create a society where women were empowered, children educated and persons with disabilities valued and everyone having equal opportunities to thrive.

    Hadiza said that the funding of what she was doing was purely from her purse as a business woman, with no international sponsorship or donations.

    On his part, Mr James Thomas, Chairman of Karu Local Government Area, said he was proud to offer support to the foundation with laudable objectives.

    He said the foundation did well considering the reality of things, where people found it difficult to feed.

    “The beneficiaries today shall never forget how the foundation has impacted their livelihood,” he said.

    The Chairman said he was happy that the people expressed joy and delight.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    SET/AMM
    ========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

     

  • Democracy Day: Expert tasks govts on skilled workforce

    Dr John Nwafor, Managing Director, Metrodigital Ltd.

     

    Democracy

    By Sylvester Thompson

    Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) A medical expert, Dr John Nwafor, has urged government at all levels to invest in  training programmes in order to build a skilled workforce that will add value to global economies.

    Nwafor gave the advice in Abuja on Tuesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) ahead of the celebration of the nation’s Democracy Day slated for June 12.

    He said building a highly skilled and educated workforce was very important in a global community and would enable Nigeria compete favourably.

    He noted that companies in advanced countries such as the United States, Canada and Britain among others , outsource some of the Information Technology (IT) jobs in countries like Malaysia and India.

    “The reason they are going there is because these countries have a highly educated workforce, which can be easily trained to do some of the tasks that would had been done in their countries.

    “So, we want the government to look into how to improve our educational systems and training programmes to enable us compete with all these countries.

    “Many companies channel money into these countries to hire their workers, to set up infrastructure to do all these in these places,” he said.

    Nwafor, who is the Managing Director, Metrodigital Ltd., said Nigeria needed to make more investments in terms of improving the educational sector.

    He said that if Nigeria had a highly trained workforce, companies like Microsoft would come and carry out their software development.

    According to him, companies like Apple and others can also come to invest in the country as a result of the trained and skillful workforce.

    Metrodigital boss also lauded Nigeria’s hard earned democracy in the last 25 years, saying democracy had indeed brought dividends to Nigerians.

    He said with democracy, government was able to revolutionalise the telecom industry which led to massive investment in telecom infrastructure in the country.

    According to him, the telecom giants like MTN, Globacom, 9mobile, Airtel among others have dominated the Nigerian telecom market.

    He said that they brought affordable telecommunication services to almost every part of Nigeria.

    “There has been tremendous progress made in the financial services sector, as new companies such as PayPal, Flutterwave, Opay, Moniepoint among others, have also emerged in the last few years.

    “These have really revolutionalised financial services in a way, making e-commerce possible and with the advent of Fintech, people can now sit back in their homes and make orders in Jumia or Konga.

    “Every market woman or man can have his/her Point of Sales(POS) and be able to accept credit card payments.

    “These are all improvements in technology that emerged over the last several years as a result of democracy in the country,” Nwafor said.

    He urged governments to continue to make more progress by creating more enabling environment for more companies to thrive.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

    SET/OJI/ADA

    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Deji Abdulwahab
    ======

  • Agency’s branded products market ready- NASENI

    Khalil Halilu, NASENI EVC and members of the committee on NASENI

    Products

    By Sylvester Thompson

    Abuja, June 7, 2024(NAN) Mr. Khalil Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) said the agency’s branded products certified by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) are ready for the market.

    This is contained in a statement by Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, NASENI’s Director of information issued on Friday in Abuja.

    According to the statement, the executive vice chairman disclosed this when the House Committee on NASENI paid an oversight visit to the agency’s  headquarters  to inspect its products and projects, on Thursday in Abuja.

    It noted that NASENI laptop, android smartphone, lithium battery, LED solar street light, solar irrigation system, electric bicycle, electric Keke, (passenger and cargo types), were among the products recently unveiled.

    “Over the past few months, we have implemented several key initiatives aimed at transforming our operations from primarily research-based activities to commercialisation  of our products and services.

    “This transformation is essential for us to contribute more effectively to the national economy and to achieve sustainable development goals,” Halilu was quoted in the statement.

    It also added that about 35 products of  the NASENI under the watch of the executive vice chairman, were market ready.

    “We are ready for Nigerian market, also, we are establishing show-rooms in all the 36-states of the federation,  for the marketing of our products.

    “Every activity we do, we have commercial plan. We don’t want our products to end up in shelves, but to get to the end users,” the statement further said.

    Mr Abimbola Ajilesoro, Chairman, House Committee on NASENI said their visit was to interact with the agency toward a  robust research in technological advancement,  in  the defense and security sector, agriculture, infrastructure and other sectors.

    He pledged the committee’s readiness to support the agency in the areas of appropriation and legislative framework,  that would strengthen the Establishment Act,  to enable the agency  deliver effectively.(NAN)

    SET/CCN/EAL
    =======
    Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Ekemini Ladejobi