From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
Unknowningly, a lot of transformation that will stir Nigeria out of the woods into a technologically developed nation are ongoing.
This stems from the fact that the current minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has weathered the storm to introduce initiatives that are changing the face of Science and Technology, with implementation of some of the policies, already yielding results, barely two years he took over the mantle of leadership as the nation’s minister of Innovation, Science and Technology.
The Enugu-born minister, who took the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology by storm has staked his private sector experience to impact positively in repositioning and uplifting the socio economic fortunes of Nigeria.
Some of the achievements of Chief Uche Nnaji after he was sworn in as Minister of Science and Technology by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on August 16, 2023 under Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development includes the establishment of National Cleantech Innovation Enterpreneurship Ecosystem (CIEE)launched to bridge the commercialization gap for Cleantech startups, offering acceleration support,investor access and research grants.
The ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, under the watch of Chief Uche Nnaji in the past two years has embarked on ‘Tech- Advantage Nigeria Initiative. A system through which many Nigerian Youths are being empowered with digital skills, community apprentiship opportunities and entreneurship support across the federation.
In the Clean and Renewable Energy Advancements,Chief Uche Nnaji attracted the establishment of Barefoot Renewable Energy College at Conference University of Science and Technology,Osara in Kogi state. The College is saddled with the task of promoting clean energy innovation and research.
The Innovation, Science and Technology minister within two years in office,facilitated the establishment of Solar PV Module Assembly Plant,stationed in Nkanu West Council area of Enugu State. The objective of establishing the plant is to enhance local capacity in the manufacture of solar energy and technology deployment.
Under Industrialization and Economic Diversification, the ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, powered by Chief Uche Nnaji, has attracted the establishment of Cassava based Ethanol Plant,in collaboration with Montserrado and FIIRO. The initiative will position Nigeria as a bioethanol based energy and an industrial innovation center.
Chief Uche Nnaji also attracted the establishment of an Integrated Industrial Complex at Akpugo,nearing completion.
This multi-complex includes a rice mill, bag manufacturing factory and a state of the art printing press, geared towards job creation and expansion of Enugu State economy.
Notedly, The Innovation, Science and Technology minister,Chief Uche Nnaji,is using global connections gained while he was in the private sector to drive the nation’s Science and Technology development at the moment. He has signed a memorandum of understanding(MOU) with Entrust Microgrid(UK)to develop Lithium battery and green technology in Nigeria.
He has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Domineum/Edenbase(UK) for the establishment of Abuja Tech City, a futuristic innovation hub set to revolutionise Nigeria’s tech Ecosystem.
The minister also enhanced Rock Weathering Technology Partnership in alliance with FLUX Carbon PLC LTD, to advance climate smart agriculture through carbon sequestration.
Chief Uche Nnaji has used his good office as Innovation, Science and Technology minister to influence policy reforms and National advocacy by spearheading the renewed position of Innovation, Science and Technology as a central pillar for economic transformation.
He is advocating for Science based policy making alligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the areas of economic growth, digital economy,clean energy and Youth empowerment……
Amidst the prevailing economic challenges, going by his performance within two years in office, Hon.Chief Uche Nnaji has left no one in doubt of his unwavering commitment to the collective goal of reviving the nation’s ailing economy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led Federal government and fast tracking industrial base of the nation.
