The permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology (FMIST), Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye has urged the Niger State government to empower women engaged in small-scale businesses to generate job opportunities and boost the socio-economic development of the state.
Esuabana conveyed this message during a courtesy visit today in Abuja by a delegation from the Niger State Ministry of Science and Technology, led by the state’s Permanent Secretary, Chemist Rahila Iliya.
She emphasised that science forms the foundation of any nation’s development, highlighting that no country can progress without the widespread application of scientific tools across various sectors of the economy.
The permanent secretary reiterated that the ministry is mandated by the constitution, as outlined in Section 18 subsection 2 of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates all levels of government to promote science and technology.
Esuabana pointed out that the ministry is dedicated to research and development outcomes, noting that through research, innovative discoveries are made that can shift the economy from resource-based to knowledge-based.
She assured the delegation that the ministry would assist the state by providing technical guidance from its directors in areas requiring technical support and fostering further collaborations.
A statement by the ministry’s deputy director of the press and public relations unit, Atuora Obed mentioned that Esuabana commended the state for seeking collaboration with the ministry, stating that such partnerships would enhance human capacity building, national development, and growth.
Earlier, the permanent secretary of the Niger State Ministry of Science and Technology, Chemist Rahila Iliya, explained that their visit aimed to observe the activities of FMIST and collaborate to ensure the success of the Niger State Ministry of Science and Technology.
