In a bid to inspire interest in Science-based careers, the Minister, Federal Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation, Senator Adeleke Mamora has affirmed that Science Technology and Innovation remain the driving force of growth and development in any nation.
He made this statement during the commissioning ceremony of the Broadcast Studio of Nigerian Science, Technology and Innovation Television (NSTI tv), at the Headquarters of the National Space Research and Development Agency, Abuja.
Mamora emphasized that the NSTItv is aimed at ensuring effective dissemination of information and the education of the public on various aspects of Science, Technology and Innovation such as Health, Agriculture, Natural science, Engineering, Space Science, and the like.
He added that the TV station, which is an avenue to tell the nation’s science stories in the major Nigerian local languages, will leverage on the use of documentaries, quizzes, game shows, science experiments, biographies and many other interesting programs, for citizens to appreciate the relevance of Science, Technology and Innovation in nation building.
The Deputy Senate leader and pioneer Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency NASRDA, Sen. Prof. Robert Boroffice, congratulated the Ministry on the actualization of the NSTI TV project, saying it’s a remarkable feat that will propagate the cause of Science Technology and Innovation in Nigeria.
Prof. Boroffice while describing the media as strategic and key to the advocacy for Science Technology and Innovation globally, stressed the need for Nigeria to engage the fourth estate of the realm in exhibiting its achievement to the rest of the world.
He therefore assured the station of his support and promised to lend a helping hand, when the need arises.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation, Chief Henry Ikoh, said the commissioning of NSTI TV is a noble achievement and the first-of-its-kind in Nigeria.
He explained that the establishment of the station is part of the implementation of the Presidential Executive Order No. 5 to assist in establishing Science Technology and Innovation as part of everyday life of Nigerians towards achieving the nation’s Development goals across all sectors of the economy.
Chief Ikoh called for the support and collaboration of all stakeholders in the STI ecosystem including the private sector, academia, civil society and international partners, to achieve the vision of a technologically-advanced Nigeria.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation, Mrs. Monilola Udoh, emphasized the need to communicate new developments in STI, adding that it is critical to the socio-economic development of the Nation.
Mrs. Udoh, who explained that the station will put a spotlight on products of Research and Development that are lying waste on the shelves of many agencies due to lack of adequate publicity, further said that the station will be a veritable medium to help mitigate economic wastage.
She however appreciated all stakeholders involved with the NSTI TV project for their tenacity , saying that the platform will enable Nigerians and other technology users around the world, take cognizance of and patronize the laudable indigenous products, which will strengthen the nation’s economy in the long run.
During his goodwill message, the Director-General, National Space Research and Development Agency NASRDA, Dr Halilu Ahmad Shaba, expressed the Space Agency’s joy to be entrusted with the warehousing of the television station.
He appreciated Prof. Boroffice for his contribution towards the acquisition of the operational licence of the station and also expressed gratitude to the Director General, Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) for the studio’s edifice built by NBRRI and mounted on NASRDA’S campus.
The NASRDA DG who stated that trainings have been ongoing to ensure the seamless running of the television, pledged the agency’s support in upholding the vision, goals and objectives of the TV station.
The event was attended by Directors and Directors-general, under the Federal Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation.
Below are sights from the event.
Ninma Yacim
Media and Corporate Communications.
