Dr Adeleke Mamora, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) said the purpose of the annual STI Expo was to ensure Nigeria emerges among top leading economies by 2030.
The minister said this at a critical stakeholders’ interaction on STI to inaugurate the planning committee of the 2023 expo in Abuja on Thursday.
Mamora said the Science, Technology and Innovation expo would help Nigeria accomplish much on the national, social and economic landscape.
He disclosed that the 2023 STI Expo would be held from January 16 to January 20, 2023.
Manora announced the theme of the expo as: “Actualising Effective Diversification of the Nigerian Economy through Science, Technology and Innovation”.
He said the 2023 STI expo would be declared open by President Muhammadu Buhari and would feature award ceremony, investors and researchers’ forum and technical sessions, among others.
Mamora also gave highlights on the 2022 expo where presidential awards were conferred on young Scientists and Engineers.
The minister said that the event afforded an opportunity to examine lessons so far learnt, the impact created by STI expo and possible collaborations for sustainable development of Nigeria using STI.
Mrs. Monisola Udoh, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, remarked that the meeting would help chart economic growth and development.
She said that it would also bolster collaboration in the STI space as well as advance Nigeria’s economy.
Represented by Mr. David Erabhahiemem, Director of Health, Biotechnology and Science (HBS) of the ministry, Udoh said that private sector participation in advancement of STI was a priority.
She said that government needed private sector and the academia to drive the economy as STI has the potential transform Nigeria as witnessed in developed nations.
“STI is integral route to sustainable and meaningful development of Nigeria. Nigeria has already taken the right step through STI,” the Permanent Secretary said.(NAN)
