Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Henry Ikoh

All is now set for the Technology and Innovation Expo-2023 as the federal government perfects arrangement to host stakeholders in the sector for a one-week event to hold at the Eagles Square, Abuja

The 7th edition of Technology and Innovation Expo with the theme: “Actualizing Effective Diversification of the Nigerian Economy through Science, Technology and Innovation” will be flagged off by President Mohammadu Buhari on Monday, 16 January, 2023.

Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation Chief Henry Ikoh disclosed this in Abuja while briefing newsmen on the objectives of the Technology and Innovation Expo 2023

The objectives of the Expo, the Minister said includes: “to encourage interactions between Researchers, Innovators and Investors with a view to commercializing research results, inventions and innovation from Nigeria’s research and tertiary institutions, To bring to the fore, the capabilities of Nigerian scientists, engineers, Inventors/Innovators in contributing to economic diversification of Nigeria, Promote collaboration among research institutions and researchers/investors and facilitate the growth of indigenous manufacturing hinged on STI”

Others according to the Minister are: to ensure support for technology transfer promotion initiative and fast track the implementation of the National Science, Technology and Innovation Road Map 2030″

The Minister said the National Road Map if fully implemented will make Nigeria to be self-reliant and become an export driven nation in the next seven years, stressing that this can only happens “if we explore new opportunities in the STI sector to drive economic growth”

On the theme of the forth coming 2023 Technology Expo, the Minister said “it is important that we create an enabling environment for innovation and invention. This includes among others, providing access to funding, creating a culture of Innovation within government and private organisations as well as encouraging collaboration between the public and private sectors

“One of the main highlights of the Expo will be Innovation Exhibitions, which will feature cutting-edge technologies and products developed by Nigerian investors, Innovators, researchers and start-ups” Ikoh said

Other benefits to be derived from the 2023 Expo, Ikoh explained includes: to provide an opportunity for participants to learn about the latest Innovations and to network with others, Investors and Researchers forum and special focus on R&D commercialization with a number of sessions and workshops to the topic slated for discussion.

“At the opening ceremony, there will be presentation of the three Best Young Scientists of Nigeria, 2023 to Mr President for Presidential handshake. Mr President annually grants scholarship to these scientists to study any science course of their choice in any of our universities from First Degree up to PhD levels.

“There will also be presentation of awards to outstanding Research and Development products at the closing ceremony on Friday, 20th, January, 2023”

Recalled that the Annual Technology and Innovation Expo was initiated in 2016 by the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation to showcase the use of science for technological inventions, innovation, promote research and development products and as well as attract investors to the sector.