Category: Science & Tech

We need friendly policies to promote sustainable agricultural practices – NIFST

Policy

By Funmilola Gboteku

Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), Lagos State Chapter, has urged the Federal Government to initiate more friendly policies to promote sustainable agricultural practices by farmers.

Mr Olugbenga Aina, the Lagos State Chapter Chairman, NIFST, said this during the 10th Regional Food Science and Technology Summit/NIFST Day celebration on Thursday in Lagos.

The theme of the event was, “Attaining Sufficient, Safe and Healthy Food for Nigerians Through Food Science and Technology.”

According to him, farmers are responsible for producing the food that feeds the population.

Aina said that ensuring that farmers had the resources and support they needed to produce an adequate supply of food was essential for national food security.

He noted that supporting farmers could help stabilise rural economies, create jobs and contribute to overall economic growth.

He explained that many farmers lived in rural areas where economic opportunities may be limited, adding that by supporting farmers, governments could help promote rural development.

“Presently the government needs to deal with the insecurity that is affecting farmers and keeping them from farming.

“We need food, especially now when there is inflation, insecurity and food hunger in the land.

“This is one of the reasons why we are gathered here today to discuss this issues; food safety and security are two intertwined topics that are crucial to the development of any country,” he said.

On cholera, the chairman said promoting good hygiene practices among communities was key to preventing further transmission of the disease.

Aina said the government had done a lot in creating awareness on the need for citizens to maintain good hygiene.

He, however, said that eating food bought from the road could make people subsceptible to cholera.

Aina advised that people should not consume food bought from the road without knowing how it was prepared.

He said the environment or the kind of water used to prepare food was vital.

The chairman said other causes of cholera included eating of uncooked and contaminated foods.

He also advised that people should always wash their hands at all times before eating.

On empowerment, he said that NIFST, through it partnerships with businesses, industries and government agencies had been able to provide job opportunities for over 100 youths between last year and 2024.

In his address, the National President of NIFST, Prof. Abu Oneh, said that academic institutions and research organisations must continue to lead in scientific research, development and innovations needed to address the current and future challenges of food security.

He also said private sector partners, including food producers, processors and retailers must play the crucial role of bringing innovation to the market and ensure its widespread adoption.

Also, Mrs Taiwo Ubany, the Chairperson, Local Organising Committee, said it was necessary for Nigeria to be able attain production of safe and healthy foods.

She noted that there were so many technologies that were available or could be employed to ensure food safety and security in Nigeria.

According to her, Nigeria is a food basket, adding that we have the people and the soil, all we need to do is harness the resources along with technology in order to cater for the needs of Nigerians.

She said food sufficiency was key, and that food was available but not getting to the people because of so many issues.

Mrs Veronica Alaba, NIFST Adviser, said that the government needed to find a lasting solution to the issue of terrorism which was hindering farmers from planting crops.

According to her, the attacks have made so many farmers to stop cultivating crops, which in turn has led to food inflation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

FOG/BEKl/SA

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Salif Atojoko

============================

Spelling

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN)Young Educators Foundation, an NGO, has announced  that Nigeria and Ghana will represent Africa at the prestigious Scripps National Spelling Bee, that will be hosted in the U.S. in 2025.

Mrs Eugenia Tachie-Menson, Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

Tachie-Menson said that the spelling competition that tested students’ competence in spelling and vocabulary prowess had seen Ghana representing the continent for about two decades.

She said that the foundation in collaboration with Lucid Education Initiative, Nigeria, facilitated for Nigeria to join the representation.

“This collaboration aims to ignite a passion for spelling and literacy among Nigerian youths.

“The Scripps National Spelling Bee is more than a contest; it is a celebration of discipline, word mastery and academic excellence.

“Beyond giving Nigerian students and schools a global spotlight, it will boost cognitive skills, critical thinking, and mental agility in young learners.

“It will also spark curiosity and a lifelong love for language and learning.’’

According to her, the foundation is already working on a selection process of students to compete at the national level for the global representation.

The chief executive officer added that they had begun the selection from some private schools and later to public schools.

“The champion of this yet-to-be-unveiled spelling contest will earn a spot in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., in May 2025,” she said.

On his part, Mr Afolajimi Akinyoyenu, Chief Executive Officer, Lucid Education Initiative, said that Nigeria’s participation in the competition would highlight the importance of literacy and spelling education among young students.

“This programme offers a platform for Nigerian youths to showcase their literacy prowess on a global stage.

“It will change the tired and erroneous narrative that the African child only hungers for food,” he said.

The 2024 edition had no fewer than 245 national competitors from schools across the U.S., in Europe, Ghana, Canada and others.

The Scripps National Spelling Bee is a thrilling mental challenge, with spellers having just 75 seconds to ask questions and 90 seconds to spell each word.(NAN)www.nannews.ng

NIU/CJ/

========

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Performance

By Damilola Nubi

Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN)
Some experts in Science and Technology have urged the Federal Government to stabilise the socio-economic environment to revitalise activities across various sectors.

In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos, the experts said that improved coordination among different ministries would ensure progress and impact needed across sectors.

Dr Oladoyin Odunbanjo, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Academy of Science, said that the interconnectivity of sectors was vital, adding that “what happens in one sector can significantly affect another”.

“We might have a lot happening in one sector that is not reflected in another, and you may need the impact of the other one to make this one as effective as it should be.

“Now that we’re looking for alternatives to oil revenue and focusing on mining, we need science, technology and innovation.

“We must not allow the mining sector to become like the petroleum sector, which after many years still relies on foreign expertise.

“For instance, if we mine lithium, we must also refine and produce lithium products here, rather than exporting the raw material, ” he added.

Odunbanjo commended the government for its initiatives and stressed the importance of utilising local resources and expertise.

“We allow too much foreign intervention in our programmes. When you use local experts, they have a vested interest in making it work for their people and country,” he noted.

Prof. Joshua Olaoye, Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers, said that incorporating experts and professionals in the decision-making process, remained vital for achieving sustainable agricultural growth and overall economic development.

Olaoye said that the administration had come up with strategic plans that could expand agricultural activities, especially in coastal areas.

He said, “The budget has the potential to transform economic strength and agricultural productivity.”

The professors highlighted the importance of infrastructure development, particularly road networks.

“Appropriate hands have been appointed to manage the infrastructural development of road networks across the country.

“Discussions are ongoing on changing the method of our road construction to more productive methods,” he said.

Olaoye pointed out that the agricultural revolution remained a core mandate of social security and that the president had engaged experts in this area.

He also mentioned the large deposits of material resources that could enable the country to generate its own energy, saving social services and addressing key challenges.

“We need policies on bioenergy sources for energy generation. Our vision is not to depend solely on traditional energy sources but to develop our bioenergy potential,” he added.

While acknowledging that President Tinubu had done well, Olaoye noted that there were still many areas that needed attention.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

NOD/AWA

==========

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Stakeholders advocate collaboration to harness climate change opportunities

By Stellamaris Ashinze

Lagos, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Some stakeholders on Wednesday called  for collaborative effort to harness the opportunity of climate change and address the challenges associated with it

The stakeholders made the call at the opening of the two-day Climate Action Africa Forum (CAAF) 2024 in Lagos.

The forum had the theme, “Green  Economies, Brighter Future: Innovating and Investing in Africa’s Climate Smart Development.”

Ms Ramatoulaye Diallo, Chief Executive Officer, Great Green Wall of Africa Foundation, said in her keynote address that stakeholders are decisive of the urgency with which Africa’s climate challenges are addressed.

Dialo said that aside climate change being one of the most critical issue in 21st century, the reality of climate change was becoming more and more eminent.

She said that Africa was unfortunately  in the heart of these realities and facing severe weather challenges such as rising temperature, erratic rainfall and desertification among others.

According to her, decisive action is essential in the battle to protect Africa, noting that, however, the journey  requires collaboration, innovation and commitment from all stakeholders.

“I have great faith in the fight against   climate change, the existence of this challenges are always hampering livelihood and social economic development .

“That is why proactive, collective and continental efforts are too sure to address them, like I always say the development of Africa will lead to the development of higher might.

“Money is not the issue, we have the money; what we do need, we need to fight. We need to come together and hold hands to achieve a better goal,’’ she said.

According to her, with what countries are facing, it is imperative we work together to get sustainable solutions  resilient for a worthy transformation and significant breakthrough.

Dialo said that stakeholders must utilise collective wisdom, share knowledge and goals as well as build capacity.

She said that there were always opportunities for people, so, therefore, it was important that all turn the opportunity into projects that could attract investment .

‘’CAAF 2024 is already the platform where we can harness and address the needs of those most vulnerable to climate change’’.

Also in his address, Markus Wauschkuhn, Cluster Coordinator of German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) in Nigeria, said that the German cooperation had supported green economies in Nigeria.

Wauschkuhn said that there was need not to talk of climate only on defensive action but as a business opportunity, adding that the innovation potential was particularly high, especially in Africa.

He said that it was similar to what happened 10 years to 20 years back in the telecommunications sector, which saw the influx of businesses.

He said that there were open opportunity which could be used to create businesses, instead of complaining about the situation.

According to him, some examples are innovative green solutions to address challenges, green technologies in the production of goods in clusters .

“We also have 44 skills programme for youths, employment programme which is focusing on technical training  for youths development and we are also actively working towards developing a curriculum for green skills in Nigeria’,” the GIZ executive said.

According to him, green economy is not only a tool or academic concept, it is very much a trust cutting tool which is affecting more and more areas of the cooperation.

He said it was part of its transition to a sustainable future in which critical environmental, economic and social challenges are addressed.

“We at GIZ support our partner countries in establishing economic structures based on sustainable production of consumption patterns and combined prosperity climate, environmental protection and social justice.

He said that in Nigeria, for example, GIZ was actively promoting energy transition through its Nigerian energy support programme.

Wauschkuhn added that the energy support programme was focused on fostering investment for renewable energy and energy efficiency across different areas for electricity for disadvantaged rural areas.

According to him, GIZ has also supported recycling volume chain jointly with the Lagos State Government and has worked with over 3,000 plastic waste recycling actors on different aspects of business support.

He expressed excitement to be part of the conversation and future engagements.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that CAAF is a two-day  conference which started from June 19 and would end June 20. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

SKA/COF

==========

Edited by Christiana Fadare

Nigeria, U.S. coy to launch first human spaceflight in Africa

Space

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Nigerian government and the Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) from Delaware, USA, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to send the first Nigerian to space.

Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, said on Wednesday at the signing of the MoU in Abuja, that human spaceflight was a major aspiration of Nigeria.

“Human spaceflight is not just a random aspiration of our country but a major objective of the Nigeria Space Policy and Programme which was approved by the Federal Executive Council in 2001.

“Reviving and implementing all abandoned national plans is a cardinal point of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

“This partnership provides a way of achieving our long-time aspiration as a nation,’’ he said.

The minister said the slot could be available from now till December, or in 2025, as SERA would still be test-running the platform.

Dr Matthew Adepoju, Director- General of NASRDA, said the cost of sending a Nigerian to space had been fully sponsored by SERA.

Adepoju said the event marked the commencement of the agency’s efforts to implement part of its roadmap of having a human spaceflight.

He also said the event was worth celebrating at a time that Nigeria was marking the 25 years of its space programme.

“The Human Spaceflight 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 explorations because there are many spinoffs that will come from the collaboration and opportunities opened for Nigerians,’’ he said.

Mr Joshua Skurla, Co-Founder of SERA, said that 80 per cent of astronauts, globally, had exclusively emanated from three countries.

Skurla said that Nigeria had a rich history of scientific, technological innovation, thus, SERA was excited to partner with NASRDA to extend the legacy into space and create new opportunities for Nigerian space explorers.

Mr Sam Hutchison, Founder of SERA, said that the application to be in space was open to any Nigerian older than 18 years, in spite of their discipline.

“The Nigerian people will choose the citizen to go to space, the process of application will be open to anybody who is over 18 years, and there are no other qualifications 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 or Engineer.

“This is about opening up access to ordinary Nigerians and giving them the opportunity of being the first Nigerian in space,’’ he said.

He added that they chose Nigeria because the country had already indicated serious intent towards space exploration through its obvious space programmes and initiatives.

Hutchison further said that they paid attention to the country knowing that it is a country of Scientists, Engineers and most importantly entrepreneurs.

“We hope to raise the awareness of young Nigerians that by choosing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, they can go to space.”

Hutchison noted that the selection process would be through SERA’s platform, and that it would be open and transparent.

Dr Anne Agi, President, Learnspace Foundation, who was instrumental to executing the partnership, advocated for Nigeria to be chosen for the mission.

Agi who expressed optimism that the mission would serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for Nigerian youths noted that space had the power to inspire future generations.

“It will show that even in challenging times, with global collaboration, great achievements are possible.

“We are therefore thrilled to have played a part in this groundbreaking partnership and we encourage Nigerians to key in.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that under the partnership, SERA will reserve a seat for a Nigerian citizen, on an upcoming Blue Origin New Shepard suborbital spaceflight.

This is part of a broader SERA-led initiative, in partnership with Blue Origin, to send six individuals from nations historically underrepresented in space exploration.

SERA, is a company from Delaware, U.S., and was founded to build a global community dedicated to space exploration, research and democratising space exploration and exploitation for all nations of the world.

The SERA-NASRDA collaboration builds upon SERA’s previous success in sending Victor Hespanha, a 28-year-old Brazilian Civil Engineer, to space in 2022, which demonstrates the transformative power of an inclusive and accessible space ecosystem. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

NIU/EMAF
========
Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

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

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

Youths

By Stellamaris Ashinze

Lagos, June 18, 2024 (NAN) Microsoft says Africa’s youths will comprise a significant portion of the potential global workforce by the turn of the century.

Ravi Bhat, Chief Technology and Solutions Officer at Microsoft Africa, said this in a webinar on Tuesday.

The webinar was on “AI and the Future of Work in Africa whitepaper”, produced by Microsoft and industry experts from across the continent.

According to Bhat, one billion people in Africa are currently under the age of 35, with the continent projected to host almost half of the world’s youth population.

He highlighted Africa’s unique opportunity to shape the future of work in these formative years, saying large language models (LLMs) evolved and the application environment continued to develop.

The expert said that up to 12 million young Africans enter the job market annually.

He, however, said that more than 20 per cent were neither employed, in education, nor trained according to the International Labour Organisation.

“We envision generative AI playing a pivotal role in transforming work environments and creating opportunities for youth to innovate, drive economic growth, and foster job creation,” Bhat stated.

He emphasised the potential of generative AI (GenAI) to reshape knowledge worker jobs, alter job types, required skills, and output.

“McKinsey research suggests that GenAI could boost annual labour productivity growth by up to 0.6 per cent through 2040, contingent upon technology adoption rates and the reallocation of worker time to other tasks,” he added.

The technology and solutions officer, therefore, cautioned that technology alone would not address the challenges facing Africa’s youthful population.

He underscored the importance of developing policies and practices to ensure responsible deployment of GenAI and AI in general, with a focus on valuing AI-related labour and ensuring dignified employment.

Jacki O’Neill, Director of Microsoft Research Africa, spoke on the transformative potential of generative AI in enhancing human capabilities across various sectors.

“As access to GenAI tools expands across Africa through internet-enabled devices and more affordable data, barriers to access are diminishing, presenting increased opportunities for skills development,” O’Neill said

The director stressed the need to equip youth with the necessary skills to thrive in an AI-disrupted labour market.

This, he noted, included deployment of GenAI tools, development of innovative applications, and proficiency in areas like machine learning, natural language processing and cybersecurity.

“Investing in these skills equips Africans to create dignified jobs, integrate AI sensitively with indigenous knowledge, forge new value chains, and develop AI systems that reflect human-centered and community values.

“The whitepaper underscores the importance of proactive governance, inclusive design, education investment, and commitment to regulatory and ethical standards for ensuring positive outcomes with GenAI.

“This is a collective responsibility involving policymakers, technologists, and citizens alike,” O’Neill emphasised.

He highlighted that the AI revolution in Africa was not merely a possibility but already underway, with Microsoft committed to collaborating with individuals, governments, partners, and stakeholders across the continent.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Microsoft, as a technology company, creates AI-powered platforms and tools to deliver innovative solutions meeting the evolving needs of customers. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

SKA/AWA
=========
Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

NDPC law has enhanced investors’ confidence in Nigeria – Olatunji

By Stellamaris Ashinze

Lagos, June 18, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria  Data Protection Commission (NDPC) on Tuesday said that it had enhanced investors’ trust, credibility and confidence in the nation for investment to thrive.

The National Commissioner, NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) this during its working visit to the Data Knowledge and information Privacy Protection Initiative (DKIPPI) in Lagos.

Olatunji said that the commission had contributed substantially to the nation in the past one year of the passage of the NDPC Law.

“The commission has contributed in the sense that an average investor coming into Nigeria now has that trust and confidence in our nation.

“When you invest we are talking of using technology and when you use technology, we are talking of people’s  data and personal information.

“When investors share their data and it is registered with the NDPC there is that element of trust that should anything go wrong, a law and a commission exists to which one can report to seek redress.

“That alone is enough credibility and assurance of protecting the data of the investors.

“The issue of having a national law and independent data protection authority is one of the criteria for investment in the country.

“The level of compliance among others are what investors look out for; we are aware of what the President is doing to attract direct foreign investment,” he said.

Olatunji noted that in terms of job creation, in the last one year, the commission had added about 3000 jobs because with the data protection law in place, many organisations had shown a need for data protection.

He said that with the law in place, the country had gained international recognition in the global data protection  body made up of over 100 countries.

According to him, a country without a national law or an independent body  cannot be accepted in the global data protection body.

He, however, said that with the data protection law in place, having been passed in June 2023, and the commission  applied that June; by August the commission had been accepted in the global body.

The national commissioner said that with the law in place the commission  would be hosting the network of African  Data Authorities Convention coming up  later in the year.

He said it was where all the authorities of data protection bodies met to share their views and knowledge.

“You know what that means to Nigeria bringing all Africa countries for like four  days, bringing multinationals and development partners, it says a lot about the confidence they have to invest in our system.

“These are what the law has brought to Nigeria and many more,’’ the NDPC boss said.

He said that the commission was working with Data Authorities of Canada, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa on knowledge exchange and mutual  assistance.

Olatunji called for awareness and sensitisation of an average Nigerian on data protection law.

He said the commission had developed a General Application Implementation  Directives (GAID) to work more with partners, which would help the commission implement whatever it wanted to implement.

The commisioner added that GAID would also help the commission to thoroughly  explain the NDPC law and roadmap. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

SKA/COF

==========

Edited by Christiana Fadare