By Frank Momoh
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora, on Wednesday said that technology foresight initiative provides suitable methodologies to promote sustainable and innovative development of the country.
The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Monilola Udoh, said this while declaring open a 2day stakeholder’s workshop on the development and management of Science and Technology Parks held today in SHESTCO, Gwagwalada, Abuja.
The 2 days workshop titled: The Development and Management of Science and Technology Parks and Integration of Technology Foresights in National Development.
According to the Minister, the technology initiative is not only aimed at foresight initiative, but in fostering economic, environmental and social benefits at national and regional levels, which its outcomes are policies and programmes that deals with innovation and industrial growth and competitiveness.
Mamora stated that over the years, the Ministry has embarked on national and internal workshops and other advocacy programmes to sensitize and create awareness and enlightenment for stakeholders including Universities and Research Institutes across the country on the National Science and Technology Park initiative.
The Minister further stated that the importance of the collaboration between the ministry and some agencies and Universities have already made some states and governments Agencies indicate interest in establishing their own Science Parks, which is a welcome development.
In this regard, the Minister equally stated that technology foresight initiative which is our focus today will provide suitable methodologies to promote sustainable and innovative development, fostering on economic benefit at national and regional levels.
Nigerians therefore must embrace technology foresight for policy, Planning and ultimately for the socio-economic development of the country.
Dr. Mamora also said that some of the achievements of the initiative that comes through foresight policy include; the production of feasibility report and business plan by UNESCO stressing that the master plan for the project has been produced and currently being implemented.
The Minister further said through the effort of the Ministry, Science and Technology park has been globally celebrated as one of the essential tools that have transformed the developmental landscape of any Nation.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Director, Technology Acquisition and Adaptation, (TAA).Mr. Anpe M. Fut, said that the role of FMSTI is to provide the general leadership and guidance to the implementation of the project alongside with relevant agencies in handling policy issues and funding for the project.
Speaking, the Director-General of SHESCO Technology Complex, Prof. P. Onyenekwe, said that the National Science Park if well completed should create a focal point for building critical mass for infrastructure and expertise that would catalyze and fast-track the commercialization of existing and emerging technologies and research output.
