The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, has advocated for the use of Afro-centric technological innovations to exploit the nation’s natural resources and boost her economic fortunes.
Onu made this call when he received the management of STK Biotech, an indigenous company that has developed breakthrough products for the treatment of infectious and non-infectious diseases, as well as the treatment and management of COVID-19, led by its chief executive officer, Engr. Stanley Ukaga.
According to the minister, Afro-centric technology would help exploit the nation’s natural resources and get a breakthrough in finding solutions to cure various diseases ravaging the world.
He further stated that this was the reason why ‘Executive Order 5’ was signed by President Muhammadu Buhari, to build a knowledge-based economy.
He charged the nation’s professionals to conduct more clinical trials to give them influence, not only in Africa but, also, globally.
The minister expressed satisfaction that the ministry’s agencies have ventured into research and emphasised that the ministry would readily collaborate with them to ensure that Nigeria becomes a leading nation in diseases’ cure.
The minister also commended STK Biochemical Group for its various achievements and assured the company that the ministry would collaborate with them to find the cure to various diseases, including COVID-19.
Earlier, the director of production, STK Biotech, Prof. Kenneth Yongabi, informed the minister that the essence of the company’s visit to seek the ministry’s collaboration in Afro-centric technology and forge ahead with their clinical trials to get solutions to diseases ravaging the country.
