PRESS STATEMENT
Governor Ayade Applauds President Buhari on One(1) Percent Federal Allocation to NASENI & Funding of Engineering Innovations.
—Advises State Governors to Support Science and technology for National Development.
“Nigeria’s economic growth and development hinge on deliberate investment in science, technology and the support for National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure(NASENI), otherwise, our country will remain underdeveloped and continue to be called a third world country ever”
With these words, the Governor of Cross River State, Prof.Benedict Ayade today in Calabar advised fellow State Governors to support the recent approval by President Muhammadu Buhari on one (1) percent Federation allocation to fund the activities of NASENI.
The Governor further said “when that happens, it is a demonstration of political will by governments to initiate a more effective socio-economic strategy to develop Nigeria”.
The Cross River State Governor was speaking when he received in audience the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of NASENI, Prof.Mohammed Sani Haruna and NASENI team of management staff who paid the Governor courtesy visit in Calabar, the State Capital.
Governor Ayade said “it is shameful that Foreigners who did not have oil in their countries are the ones teaching Africa and Nigeria the art of oil explorations found in Nigeria and African soil” He said this anomaly befell Nigeria and Africa as a whole because of general low level attentions or investments in support of research, science and technology over the years “
The Governor said it was even more painful to note that fellow Nigerians looked down on local initiatives and prefer to go overseas to import spare parts and machines which Agencies like NASENI had laboured to achieve amidst scarce resources with little or no support “
In his characteristic frank talk in attending to critical State issues, Governor Ayade declared that “I make bold to say that the tasks and responsibilities of institutions promoting Science and technology innovations in 21st century are more important and crucial than the office of an Executive Governor”
“I am with NASENI on the realisation of 1 percent allocation of the federal revenue to the Agency in order for it to perform optimally” The Governor assured Prof.Haruna and management of NASENI that he would take on the role of Advocacy at the forum of 36 state Governors, canvassing support for NASENI funding with 1 percent federal allocation and even more”
Following presentation of the numerous achievements of the Agency by Prof.Haruna in the areas of research, design and manufacturing of capital goods and machines, some of which are needed to assist Crossriver State’s transformation, the Governor requested for the siting of one NASENI’s institute in Crossriver State immediately.
According to Governor Ayade, the Crossriver State was ready to stake fund, resources and political will in support of NASENI and the general investments by the State to support research, Science and technology in order to fast track the development of the State and the people.
“Everywhere I go in Nigeria especially amongst my colleague- Governors, I will act as ambassador for NASENI henceforth”. Said he.
The governor promised to speak about the need to support an Agency like NASENI and to generally support Science and technology to transform our country” He disclosed.
As first steps, Governor Ayade has directed the State Commissioner of Finance and State Accountant General to release the sum of One Hundred(100) Million to NASENI as take off grant for establishment of a development institute in the State.
Also, an operational Hilux Jeep and land allocation were immediately approved by the Governor to NASENI for the purpose of setting up the proposed institute.
NASENI also has been requested by the Governor to commence the deployment of its 5 kilowatt kinetic turbine in some designated rivers in the State to light up rural communities.
In response, the Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI thanked Governor Ayade for this huge support and encouragements to the Agency to fulfill it’s technology development mandate for the nation.
SIGNED:
Mr.Olusegun Ayeoyenikan
Deputy Director, Information, NASENI.
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