Sheku Tanga Information Attaché
Sierra Leone High Commission Abuja, Nigeria.
The Minister of Higher and Technical Education, Professor Alpha Tejan Wurie on Friday 18th March, 2022 delivered a Goodwill message at the closing ceremony of the ‘ Science, Technology and Innovation Expo 2022 at the Eagle Square in Abuja, Nigeria.
The theme of the Expo 2022 is “Sustaining National Economic Growth Through Science, Technology and Innovation”.
Delivering his Goodwill message, Professor Wurie first recognized the sacrifice and role played by Nigeria during the 11 years of civil war in Sierra Leone. On behalf of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, he extended high level appreciation to the Federal Government and people of Nigeria for being among other nations that helped to restore peace in Sierra Leone.
Speaking on the theme of the Expo, Prof. Alpha Wurie stated that Science and Technology is not a new phenomenon and that it is gradually gaining grounds through innovation especially in Nigeria which that is Africa’s most populous nation.
He noted that structural innovation can lead to major social transformation and can be a catalyst for major economic growth.
Minister Wurie said that providing young people in schools and universities with the required skills in Technology will encourage them to be innovative after their graduation.
He appreciated the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation for the invite extended to him to attend the programme and applauded him for achievements made in his ministry in several fields of innovation in Technology.
He said Sierra Leone is ready to learn and collaborate with Nigeria in order to change the narratives that will create the platform for young people to develop interest in science and technology.
In his closing speech, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu said that, the five days Expo or annual science fair enable investors and innovators of various fields get the opportunity to showcase their talents by inventing new products using their local materials.
The Technology and Innovation Expo 2022 was organized by the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, under the auspices of Honourable Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation.
He said that this year’s Expo is different in a way that it gives unique opportunities to innovators from all sectors to showcase to the Nigerians and the world over the possibilities of scientific research that can be invented in Nigeria.
Minister Onu further stated that, the Expo will further encourage entrepreneurship among creative students and innovators in Nigeria and not just possibilities for intellectual capacities
Prizes and certificate were awarded to outstanding exhibitors in the category of Tertiary institution including inventors, innovators, entrepreneurs, the military among others.
As a special guest of honour, Prof. Alpha Tejan Wurie was hosted at a dinner organized by his colleague Minister Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu meant to strengthen collaboration and bilateral relationships between the two sister ministries.
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Higher Education, Prof. Alpha Tejan Wurie was accompanied by Sierra Leone High Commissioner to Nigeria His Excellency Rupert Sydney Dowu Davies, the Head of Chancery/Counselor Mohamed Sorie Conteh and the First Secretary Mrs. Mariama Jalloh.
