By Amaechi Okonkwo, Port Harcourt

The Federal Government has announced plans to establish a chemical equipment and machinery development institute in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, announced the plan Wednesday, during a courtesy visit to the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.

Onu stated that the chemical equipment and machinery development institute was part of the process to build a knowledge-based economy that will sustain the country, noting that the country’s over reliance on oil and gas has made it difficult for the economy to grow in line with emerging realities.

“The decision has been made to make Nigeria an innovation-driven economy. We are determined to work hard to ensure this succeeds.

“If there is a problem with oil, we will still survive. For us to do this, we need to build capacity, look inwards and use our natural resources in ways that will improve our economy. Rivers State plays a very important role in the chemical and petrochemical sector of the nation’s economy.

“We want the institute to be a centre of excellence in the chemical and petrochemical sector of the nation’s economy. The results of the research will be available to the private sector. We will be in a position to grow our economy”, he stated.

Responding, Governor Wike, called for sustained development of technology through in investments in science research institutions, stressing that such investments would help in reviving the country’s ailing economy.

He noted that a diversified economy will create employment opportunities for the people.

“We must sustain the development of technology for the growth of the country. I urge that we begin to use research reports from science institutes to attain the desired growth. The development of relevant machinery and equipment will help create jobs locally and enhance the economy,” he added.

The governor commended the minister of science and technology for establishing the institute in Port Harcourt, saying that the minister has exhibited maturity by siting the project in Rivers State where other ministers would have been influenced by political considerations.

He directed the administrator of Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority to liaise with the Ministry of Science and Technology for the allocation of land for the institute.

https://orientdailynews.com/from-the-geopolis/south-south/fg-to-establish-chemical/

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