2 November 2009
Lagos — Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State said the key to Nigeria's prosperity lies in the effective and efficient use of technology.
This, he explained, could be achieved through the creation and adoption of new scientific techniques for harnessing the nation's abundant natural resources.
Akpabio made this assertion in Uyo, the state capital, on Wednesday through his Deputy, Mr Patrick Ekpotu at the 2009 edition of the Akwa Ibom Science and Technology week.
"Nigeria cannot continue to lag behind in the innovation that science and technology is introducing into our lives in the 21st Century," the governor said.
He said if President Yar'Adua's vision for the economy must be realised, science and technology must not only be seen as an option, but a basic necessity.
The governor said the country is not where it ought to be "because we have not utilised to the letter, the opportunities open to us.
"Nigeria is endowed with abundant talents and resources to make her a leading nation in the world," Akpabio said.
The Akwa Ibom government, he explained, was trying to reverse the trend and place priority on the things that make for speedy development.
The many successes recorded, according to him, "are all indications that we have decided to join the rest of the world in transforming the lives of our people through the utilisation of the twin concept of science and technology."
He directed the State Ministry of Science and Technology to continue acquisition, assimilation and adaptation of development in science and technology to generate employment, create wealth and improve living conditions.
Indigenous innovators, inventors and science-based entrepreneurs, he said, would also continue to enjoy the support of his administration to increase their capacities.
The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Alhassan Zaku, said the importance of science and technology had been recognised long ago when Japan, China, India and others embraced and invested heavily in the sector.
Represented by Mr David Oladapo, a Director in the Ministry, Zaku said that "at this crucial time, no effort should be spared in the process of harnessing our potentialities to build a strong, virile and self-reliant nation".
He commended the Akwa Ibom government for initiating AKISTECH, which he noted, "will transform not only the state but the entire country from a developing society to a developed nation in line with vision 20:2020."
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