Every Nigerian life depends on STI – FG

By Emmanuel Elebeke

The Federal government say Nigeria can truly overcome its present economic challenges by mobilizing a collective support for science, innovation and modern day technologies.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Science and Technology, Mrs. Balema Wakama stated this at the march for science event and NABDA facility tour in commemoration of World Earth Day held at the weekend in Abuja.

Wakama said Nigeria lives in the age of science and thus needs collective support for science to improve the livelihood of its citizens.

‘‘We are here to remind you that we live in the age of science. The life of every one of us is highly dependent on the scientific inventions, innovations and modern day technologies.

‘‘Science has changed the lives of people largely which as we all know, have been deployed to every aspect of modernization and in sectors like Agriculture, Medicine, Environment, Education, Industry, Electricity, Aviation, Information, etc for both the developed and developing nations,’’ she said.

The Permanent Secretary noted that modern Science in Nigeria is awakened by the continuous and hard efforts of the outstanding scientists and researchers who she said  attempted scientific advances of highest international caliber.

Just like other scientists across the world, she noted that Nigerian scientists had developed various scientific tools that can help in the area of food security, combating climate change, which, the public have not been fully aware of.

This March for Science therefore, has provided yet another opportunity for the supporters of science to come together, join voices to amplify available evidence-based solutions for the nation can adopt to ensure food security.

At the current population of over 180 million people and projected population of 400 million people by 2050, Wakama warned that Nigeria is faced with the risk of decreased farming population due to age; decreased arable land; poverty, malnutrition and hunger because the conventional method of agriculture can no longer meet up with our demand.

As such, she said maintained that science holds the solution to our food security with its revolutionary attributes.

‘‘Science is revolutionary. It holds the key to constant development and improvement for addressing climate change, food shortage and challenges in medicine.

‘‘A country that cannot feed herself cannot have a self-pride. The issue of food security therefore, requires that all hands be on deck for the reconstruction, revival and rejuvenation of our agricultural sector.

‘‘This brings the need to show support and confidence in scientific tools and innovations such as Agricultural Biotechnology set to improve livelihoods.

‘‘This technology as you are aware, is the new revolution guaranteeing food security for many countries like USA, Argentina, Brazil, Canada and has transformed farming to a profitable business.’’

The March for Science was aimed at providing opportunity for scientists and science supporters to take a stand and highlight the immense benefits available for Nigerians in science.

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