Abia state governor, Dr Alex Otti, has advocated home technologies as the panacea to the country’s effort towards sustainable economic diversification and industrial growth.
Speaking at the second research and innovation fair/conference held at Sen. Anyim Plus Anyim Auditorium Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Dr Otti said that while oil and gas remain a significant part of the economy, the agro allied has great potentials for food security, job creation and industrialisation.
The Governor represented by his Deputy Engr Ikechukwu Emetu maintained that to achieve true economic stability, Nigeria must leverage its local talents, indigenous knowledge, and advanced research to address its specific challenges.
“The oil and gas industry can benefit from using locally developed technologies to improve crude oil refining, optimize gas use, and lessen environmental damage from exploration.
Recent trends like modular refineries, local pipeline monitoring, and advanced engineering methods point towards a more self-sufficient energy sector, “he said.
He therefore encouraged researchers and industry leaders to focus more on creating sustainable, affordable, and technology-based solutions to position Nigeria as a leader in refined petroleum products and energy innovations rather than just as crude oil exporter.
The governor deplored the country’s heavy reliance on imported technologies and foreign expertise in key sectors like oil and gas, which has made the country vulnerable to external shocks, stressing that It has now become necessary to prioritize indigenous solutions created by local universities, research institutes, and innovative entrepreneurs.
He outlined the benefits of agro-allied industry to include economic resilience, abundant arable land, and a youthful population to meet the rising demand for processed agricultural products but stated that it remains essential to adopt modern farming methods, biotechnology, mechanization, and digital agriculture as homegrown research can lead to better seed varieties, climate-smart farming, and efficient agro-processing, which will increase productivity, ensure food security, and create jobs.
Dr Otti commended the University on the conference with the theme “leveraging endogenous technologies for sustainable development of Nigeria oil/gas and agro-allied industries as essential for transforming research and innovation into practical applications in industries and rural communities.
He assured of government partnerships with the university and key sectors to ensure that the knowledge gained benefits the economy of Abia State and Nigeria as a whole.
“We need to motivate students and young researchers to pursue entrepreneurship by transforming their innovative ideas into successful businesses. The government is prepared to assist start-ups and research-driven businesses with policies that promote the commercialization of research, funding options, and infrastructure support, Dr Otti said.
The governor restated Abia’s commitment to fostering an environment where research, innovation, and industrial growth can thrive and stat3d further that the state have initiated policies that support small and medium enterprises, encourage private sector investments, and promote science and technology education.
Earlier in his address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe pointed out that the sustenance of the innovation fair was a demonstration of the efforts of his administration in reminding researchers of the real essence of the establishment of universities.
In his words, “we want to reawaken our responsibilities towards ensuring that our university remains an academic centre for research and innovation”.
He restated the fact that sustainable economic development faces challenges posed by globalization and fierce competition, hence the need for highly skilled human resources, which he noted can be achieved through creativity and innovation.
“Research institutions are capable of producing knowledge, creativity, and innovation represented by their research if given the right platform,” he said.
In his remarks, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji represented by Dr. Peter Ogbebe said that Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike MOAUA has continue to play a pivotal role in advancing research and technology particularly in Agriculture Science,and noted that it is a testament to the University’s commitment to excellence , creativity and sustainable development.
He pointed out that the oil and gas sector remains the backbone of our economy, and that by integrating the use of technology innovation we can optimize resource utilization, reduce dependence on foreign technology and promote inclusive economic prosperity.
Also contributing, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubaka Kyari, represented by Dr. Isona Gold appreciated the Vice Chancellor, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike,( MOAUA), Prof Iwe for his determination and doggerness in innovation and transformation of the school and urged him to continue keep the good work.
