Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding technological development and research commercialization across the States during a courtesy visit by the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Professor Epiphany Azinge, to the Ministry in Abuja.
The Minister stated that the visit opened discussions on strategic collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, FMIST, and Delta State to drive technological advancement, innovation, and economic growth.
Dr. Udeh disclosed that the Ministry, through the Energy Commission of Nigeria, ECN, will support sustainable power supply in the state by installing solar mini-grids in their academic and health institutions to stimulate and strengthen activities of such critical sectors of the economy.
He also highlighted the Ministry’s Energise Commercialization Programme, designed to bridge the gap between scientific research outcomes and the marketplace, ensuring that research findings translate into tangible economic benefits for Nigerians.
He noted that the government is working closely with private sector investors to commercialize research innovations in line with global best practices.
The Minister commended the Asagba for his commitment to the unity, development, and cultural heritage of the Asaba people, stressing the importance of collaboration with traditional institutions to deepen grassroots participation in innovation initiatives across the country.
Earlier in his remarks, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, said his visit was aimed at seeking the Ministry’s partnership and support to make the capital of Delta state an innovation tech hub, facilitate scholarship opportunities for qualified Asaba people, and possible establishment of a Federal University of Science and Technology in Asaba, that would enhance youth capacity development in Delta State.
The Royal father expressed appreciation to the Minister for the warm reception and prayed for wisdom and success in advancing Nigeria’s innovation and technological growth.
