…kick-starts Assumpta Science Centre in Imo state
The Federal Government at the weekend unveiled plans to embark on numerous developmental projects in the South-East region, with the foundation laying ceremony of Assumpta Science Centre in Owerri, Imo state.
Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister of Science and Technology, gave the assurance reiterated President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration commitment to the implementation of International Universities and Youth Cooperation with Africa in informal science learning activities for sustainable development.
The Minister explained that the Assumpta Science Centre in Owerri, Imo state was one of the several numerous Federal Government projects in the South-East at the verge of kicking off.
According to him, Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Pontifical Council for Culture of the Vatican City on the ASSUMTA Science centre in Owerri the Imo state capital.
He emphasized that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is willing and determined to utilize science, technology and innovation as a tool to achieve diversification of the national economy.
Onu who thanked the people of Ofekata community for their commitment and the donation of their land to ensure that the ASSUMTA Science Centre becomes a reality, noted that the difference between Africa and developed nations is the actualization of science, technology and innovation.
Onu who maintained that national development will be difficult to achieve without the application of science and technology, urged State and Local Governments and relevant stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of the laudable project.
The Minister noted that the centre stands a chance of contributing immensely to the development and upliftment of the nation.
“Of the numerous advantages of the centre is that it will contribute to the development of the country and ensure that Nigerians and indeed other African countries would become self-sufficient in defending the available resources God has given them.
“The neglect of science and technology affected Nigeria’s economic growth and development.The coming on board of Assumpta Science Centre and other scientific innovations Nigeria is at the centre of development with the available resources Nigeria has, we would have been at the center stage for development.
‘There is need for all the African countries to change direction, focus and embrace science, technology and innovation as it has a vital role in assisting humanity in all aspects of life, to ensure national security and higher agricultural productivity, better housing, broad communication, better health care delivery system, improve quality of life and sustainability that could help turn Nigeria into truly a great nation,” he said.
Onu stressed that Africa has come to a stage where it can use its natural resources to develop its nations, hence assuring the community that the Federal Government is committed to ensuring the completion of the project in four months’ time.
Onu maintained that the nation’s weak scientific and technological culture is a constituent of serious obstacle towards achieving the economic diversification the country is yearning for decades.
In his remarks, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State who underscored the importance of the initiative, pledged support towards speedy completion of the project.
Okorocha who was represented by Chris Nwike, Chairman, Mbaitoli Local Government Area, called on the people of the community to see the project as an opportunity not only for them but for the future generation yet unborn.
