Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora has called for support for women to have access to technology in order to set priorities, participate in decision making and shape research and development agendas to ensure inclusivity.
Mamora was represented by Dr. Sam Etatovie, Director General, Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency, who made this assertion at the 2023 Lagos State University-Alexander Von Humboldt Kolleg International Conference in Lagos.
The theme of the Conference was: “Repositioning Science and Technology to Tackle Food Insecurity, Environmental and Health Challenges through Research Collaborations and Capacity Building for Sustainable Development”.
He advocated that women need to be supported to participate in STEM education, as well as encourage girls and women to study and seek employment in technology fields.
“Science, technology and innovation hold the key to our lives both in the present and for future development.
“Nigeria cannot be an exception to its use where technologies from nanotechnology to biotechnology, space technology among others have been earmarked as the driving force for the development of any nation.
“In the case of food security, biotechnology initiatives and programmes have focused on safety, thus increasing livelihoods,” Mamora said.
He added that the federal government through our ministry would be bringing the benefits of biotechnology for improved livelihood by bioresources development to all Nigerians, most importantly those living in the rural areas.
“This also has led to bio-entrepreneurship which in turn has contributed to better livelihoods for dwellers in rural agricultural communities.
“Currently, Nigeria is pursuing the development of an inclusive biotechnology plan for farmers.
“Furthermore, in the area of medical innovation, emphasis is being placed on affordable techniques for vaccine production, DNA technology and the like,” Momora said.
Ms. Abisola Olusanya, Commissioner of Agriculture, Lagos State has called on Nigerian youths to participate and show interest in agriculture and the food system.
She encouraged the youths not to ignore the agriculture system but use the science courses they were studying to generate new technology for agriculture.
“Food security remains the bedrock holding our culture together in the country, young people should participate in the space of agriculture.
“Over the years, we had trained over 51,000 young people who are willing to come to the space of agriculture system by collaborating with IITA and MasterCard.
“We also have empowered 50 percent of those trained by educating them on agricultural food chain enterprise, activation programme and set them up by giving them space for them to practice their trade,” Olusanya said.
Prof. Kabiru Akinyemi, Director of Linkages, Partnerships and Collaborations, LASU said that this conference was organised to bring researchers, academia, policymakers and business communities to share some research outcomes geared towards achieving food security, a healthy environment and good health.
Akinyemi said that their motive for the topic would change precipitation patterns, extreme weather, biodiversity and ecosystems, food security, improved agricultural, industrial production and nutrition-sustainable consumption.
“We need to change epidemiological dynamics of human and zoonotic diseases, child mortality and infectious diseases control in the country.
“The Humboldt Kollegb is one of the numerous AvH Alumni sponsorship programs geared towards effective networking, exchange of reducing ideas, and cross-fertilization of knowledge on topical issues.
“The topical issues will be relevant to our immediate locality but also to a global village that drives to the path of achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) two and three,” he said.N
