Edo tech community showcases creativity, inventions at maiden science, tech fair

…innovators hail Obaseki as govt recommits to science, tech advancement

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the advancement of science and technology in the State, as the State’s tech community showcased their latest innovation at the maiden edition of the Edo Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Exhibition.

The fair held in Benin City, the Edo State capital, brought together scientists, inventors, researchers and other members of the Edo science and technology ecosystem who leveraged the platform to showcase their latest market-ready solutions and inventions to the delight of guests and other participants.

Foremost entrepreneur, Austin Lazarus displayed his home-made heat resistant roofing sheets, produced from locally sourced materials in the State, while co-founder of Midtown Tech Hub, Basil Aikabeli showcased a locally made 3D printing equipment as well as Data Science and Robotics Software for kids, among others.

Obaseki at the event said the state government remains committed to driving growth and development in various sectors of the State, leveraging technology.

The governor, represented by his Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa Esq., while declaring the event open, said the fair is part of programmes to transform Edo State into Africa’s hub for science, technology and innovation.

The HOS who spoke through the Permanent Secretary in his Office, Mrs. Priscillia Aziegbemhin, said, “This exhibition is a platform to showcase the improvement and advancement that have taken place in the science world. The world is now a global village, knowing that science and technology rules the world.

“As a State, we are keying into the advancement that is taking place in the science, technological, and global world. Today is to practicalize and showcase what is happening in the science community in our State.”

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Digital Economy, Science and Technology, Yuwa Naps, said: “The STI Exhibition is centered around science which helps in bringing the knowledge in the classrooms to a practical demonstration in reality. This exhibition is the maiden edition for Edo State given the governor's mandate to drive technology within the State and improve science across board.

“This exhibition will expose innovators and researchers to come to bear for collaboration and cooperation in moving the sector forward. The mandate of Mr. Governor to the Ministry is to drive science and technology in the State to fulfill his dream of making Edo State a technological hub and the silicon-valley of Nigeria. The Ministry wants to make sure we drive Mr. Governor's agenda and ensure that he finishes well and strong.”

The guest speaker, Prof. Julius Iyasele, in his lecture titled, “Science, Technology and Innovation: A Tool to Sustainable Socio-economic Development,” reiterated the need to sustain the investment in technological advancement, adding, “We need to invest in science and technology to grow and develop the African continent. Science and Technology brings the world into our homes and if we effectively manage science and technology, it advances our lives for the better.”

Earlier, the Co-founder of Midtown Tech Hub, Basil Aikabeli thanked the governor for creating the enabling environment for business to thrive in Edo State.

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L-R: Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Information Communication and Technology Agency, Birgitta Okodugha; representative of the Edo State Head of Service and Permanent Secretary, General Services, Office of the Head of Service, Priscilla Aziegbemi; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Digital Economy, Science and Technology, Yuwa Naps; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Austin Laz Company Plc; Dr. Austin Lazarus Asimonye, and Managing Director, Edo State Information and Communication Technology Agency, Goodluck Igbinedion, at the maiden edition of the Edo Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Exhibition, in Benin City.