Yolamchi Ukaga, Aba
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state, has observed that the only path for the economic survival of Nigeria is to embark on aggressive development of local production of goods and services.
This was as he also advised that deliberate national policy for the compulsory consumption of locally produced goods should be made, noting that, with the fading prospects of crude oil globally, the country must take hard decisions in this direction.
The governor stated this at the Governor’s Lodge, Aba, the state’s commercial hub, when he received in audience, the board and management of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), led by Prof. M.S Haruna, executive vice chairman/chief executive officer of the agency.
Ikpeazu expressed delight that NASENI has led the way in the nation’s quest for development of indigenous technology in the country, through fabrication and production of various kinds of goods.
The governor, expressed delight that NASENI placed priority on capacity building for its staff in the area of technology transfer and exposing them to world-class training beyond the shores of the country.
Ikpeazu promised that his administration was prepared to forge productive partnerships with the agency to create an ecosystem for harnessing the productive capabilities of the people of Abia state.
He assured the NASENI that he would stand in support of full implementation of the enabling act of the agency, including the proposed funding structure of devoting 1-percent of the federation account to the agency, to enable it have enough funds for its activities.
This, the governor said, is crucial, noting that unless the nation begins to invest in the development of its productive capabilities that her future would remain bleak.
The governor also assured NASENI that his administration shall be committed to critical collaborations with the agency in the revival and deployment of the abandoned Metallurgical Complex, Aba, as a centre of excellence in local engineering. The Governor also assured the team that the state government will be willing to provide additional facilities to the agency for the construction of training centres in the state.
Haruna, had earlier told the governor that they were in the State to seek areas of collaboration with the state government, especially in the areas of development of local technology and manufacturing.
He told the governor that the agency is involved in different kinds of productive activities, including the production of solar panels for commercial use, as well as fabrication of various kinds of agricultural implements.
The NASENI CEO appealed to the governor to lend his voice to the full implementation of the NASENI Act to enable the agency get the needed funds to operate fully and assist the nation in her quest for technological advancement and maximize the country’s local productive capabilities.
He also informed the governor that the agency was interested in converting the Metallurgical Complex, Aba, into an engineering centre of excellence, and use it to provide support to institutions, like the Boys Technical College, Aba, Abia State Polytechnic, Aba and the Abia State University, Uturu.