By Israel Lawrence
The Nigeria technology industry was further given a boost and leap forward as demonstrated at the second edition of the annual Science and Technology Expo organized by the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology in collaboration with CSO Coalition for Made in Nigeria Products, CONMAP, which comes to a close today at the Eagles Square amid wide fanfare exhibiting a plethora of new and improved products by public and private research and development institutions.
The week long event which was declared opened earlier in the week by the vice President of Nigeria, Professor 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 organized Private sector, corporate Public organizations, government representatives, international organizations 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 National Biotechnology Development Agency, 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 use including fueling power generators and other power systems and energy consuming equipment. The aquaconic 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. This system according to Sandra Nnadi, Assistant Chief Scientific Officer of the agency, helps to mitigate and adapt to whether 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.
The Nigeria Natural Medicine Agency NNMA were also at the event and displayed exceptional alternative newnatural drugs for both human and animal husbandry which promotes protection and cure for ailments without the usual accompanying side effects that come with orthodox medicines. Some of their products include; Nature Med OCCIGON for the control of blood sugar, Nature Med Mosquito repellant, a cream meant for the skin to avoid mosquito bite, Nature Med Anti-Malaria herbal tea.
The Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi had its technologies such as Cereal Processing for the production of Soy, Maize flour, Beans flour, plantain flour, Fruit processing technology for the production of fruit juice, food spreads such as Jam and Marmalade, Cosmetic production technology which produces toileteries, laundry soaps, hair pomade and body creams.
While declaring open the expo, the Vice President Professor Yemi 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 as he said:
“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, Honourable 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 presented the opportunity for agencies and local investors to showcase their products and research finds.
In his summation, Comrade Mohammed Attah, Coordinator of CONMAP 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 gives hope to the nation and credence to the present administrations effort to boost the economy through science and technology.
