The weeklong 2018 Science and Technology Expo, came to a close in Abuja amid wide fanfare, exhibiting a plethora of new and improved products by public and private research and development institutions.
The event, which was the second edition of the annual Science and Technology Expo, organised by the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, in collaboration with CSO, Coalition for Made in Nigeria Products (CONMAP), gave a leap to Nigeria’s technology industry as several locally made products were on display for the public.
The weeklong event, which was declared opened earlier by the Vice President, Yemi Osibanjo, witnessed a large turnout of participants and guests from all strata of society. Among the different guests who graced the event, are members of the organised private sector, corporate public organisations, government representatives, international organisations and the visiting public.
Among the top research and development institutions which exhibited their products are; National Biotechnology Development Agency (NBDA), Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIRRO) and others.
The NBDA, which is the agency responsible for the promotion of biotechnology in Nigeria, came to the event with bio digesting system, a new system which uses bio fuel from waste, turned into energy for various uses including fueling power generators and other power systems and energy consuming equipment.
The aqua conic technology, a system which enables farming on water without necessarily doing so on soils in the event of soil degradation, as a result of the fast changing climate, which is becoming detrimental to soil and farming in some parts of the world, according to Sandra Nnadi, assistant chief scientific officer of the agency, helps to mitigate and adapt to weather conditions. The agency also showcased Bio eternol an alternative fuel for clean cooking stoves in
place of the conventional kerosene that causes smoke and health
hazards.
While declaring open the expo, vice president Osibanjo reiterated that
the federal government plans to strengthen the technology and
innovation ecosystem by supporting the development of innovation hubs
in partnership with the private sector.
“This is well on course; we have recently completed a competitive
selection process for the private sector entities which will implement
and manage the hubs.
“Each of these hubs will focus on solving the market challenges
peculiar to the region of the country in which it is located.
“Perhaps, more importantly, is that we are collaborating with the Bank
of Industry, with a civic hub, a private hub, and other private sector
entities to run a presidential technology innovation challenge in all
Nigerian universities, public and private and some polytechnics.’’
On his part, minister of Science and Technology, Chief Ogbonnaya Onuh,
remarked that technology development is generally regarded as a
catalyst for national development as it offers support for change in
all the major sectors of the economy, which is arguably the prime
source of change.
Dr Onuh said that the fair is to drive home the point that Nigeria
needs to develop its technology. The exhibition, he stated, presents
the opportunity for agencies and local investors to showcase their
products and research finds.
Coordinator of CONMAP, Comrade Mohammed Attah, enthused that
following the inaugural edition held last year, 2017, the Science and
Technology Expo has taken a new turn with exhibitors showcasing new
and improved products which give hope to the nation and credence to
the present administration’s effort to boost the economy through
science and technology.
