Hon. Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji (left) Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye (middle) and President, Nutrition Society of Nigeria Prof. Salisu Maiwada Abubakar (right) at the Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (Mou) Between the Ministry and Grand Challenge Nigeria (GCNg) in Abuja

The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Grand Challenge Nigeria Project to boost the provision of quality health care in the country:

Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji said that the partnership with the Grand Challenge Nigeria Project is a broader agenda to create a resilient and knowledge driven economy that prioritize local solutions for local challenges.

The Minister stated this, during the signing ceremony of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)between the Ministry and Grand Challenge Nigeria (GCNg) in Abuja.

According to Nnaji, ‘’working together we are investing in Nigeria’s future, building a foundation for sustainable development, and positioning our nation as a leader in Innovation on the African Continent’’.

The Minister explained that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) represents a pivotal step in advancing Innovation and addressing some of the Country’s most pressing needs such as economic growth, capital development and social welfare.

Nnaji pointed out that the Ministry is prepared for the National launch of   Grand Challenge Nigeria (GCNg) project scheduled to hold on 18th  November,2024.

The Minister also, stated that the launch will be a land mark, aligning with the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s vision to harness Science and Technology as drivers of economic transformation, improve infrastructure and enhance quality of life for Nigerians.

Chief Nnaji commended the Organization for its vision and dedication to the cause, adding that, together we are embarking on a journey with the potential to create lasting impact and contribute to the achievement of the eight (8) points agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking, the Permanent Secretary of   the Ministry, Mrs Esuabana Nko Asanye said that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with Grand Challenge Nigeria is apt at the time the world is distressed with the issue of nutrition as a result of climate change mitigation.

She stated that the collaboration will tackle the issue of good nutrition, especially for the vulnerable in the Country.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, prof. Salisu Maiwada Abubakar, said that the Organization is a localized initiative under the Global Grand Challenge family, designed to drive innovation and solve critical health and developmental challenges in the Country.

He stated that the Organization aims to empower Nigerian Researchers, Scientists and Development practitioners to use innovative solutions in addressing local challenges of the Nation.