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RDI 3 Days Summit: Research is our greatest Asset And We can generate over 10 Trillion Revenue In Nigeria, Says stakeholders
At the end of a 3- days summit coordinated by Research for Impact, Knowledge-Economy, and Sustainable Development (RIKE-SD), in partnership with the West and Central Africa Research and Education Network (WACREN) and Foreign and Commonwealth Office in Abuja on Wednesday, 27th of March, 2024, the discussions centred around the pivotal role of research, development, and innovation in driving economic growth and prosperity.
The Chairperson Commission of Nigerians in Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, she highlighted the importance of our human and knowledge-based resources as our Nigerian greatest assets we can proud of. To be rated above, oil is our global knowledge-based resource rooted in research and innovations. The Diaspora chairman stressed the need for effective development to grow any Nation worldwide. She stated her Ministry had embarked on a series of projects that could enhance the results of RDI, transforming our country’s competitiveness worldwide.
We have over 17 million Nigerians in Diasporas, many of whom are doing well in their chosen fields.
Dr Popoola Mustapha, the Director of RIKE SD, Research Innovation and Knowledge Education and Sustainable Development (RIKE SD), added that the 3-day Summit has generated working groups that would be reconstituted as the national research Think-Tank. The Think Tank would be looking at the Agendas of Mr President; we have 8 groups that would later go into evidence theses to come out with solutions to the problems identified in this Summit. With our Pentagonal Nexus, we would work with five actors in typical RDI systems. The Academia, Industry and Government are to start with. Now, with our plans, we are incorporating the Funders because we don’t want to start looking for Funds after planning. As we plan, they are on the table. We would make it demand-driven and be sure we have the end-users, who are the people in mind.
Results to be achieved in these efforts would form parts of 8 points achievements in office. We need a driven committee not appointed but selected based on performance. Institutionalising these platforms for state and national actors to build sustainability. On Monday, we had the presence of the Honorable Minister of Science and Technology and The Chairman of the Commission of Nigerians in Diasporas; such presence was symbolic; after pro-creation in Nigeria, we are targeting other African nations. Over 17 million Nigerians in Diasporas, many of whom work in research and development fields; when unleashed potential, we would have over 10 Trillion in new Revenue in Nigeria in terms of new Knowledge. Many of these people hold critical roles in their chosen fields of innovation globally, so they would be glad to partner with this platform. They were well-funded abroad and were looking for an opportunity to partner with Nigeria. With us is a journey and Marathon because we will be accelerating processes. In the coming days, we will move to the following levels, presenting outcomes to the President and state governors and discussing how we can tap into outcomes.
The core institutions involved, the federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Agriculture, Health and others, will form a committee to drive the Summit outcome to develop the Nation. Institutions to drive the policies include the Nigerian Institute of Strategy; we have only 25 Agencies represented here and a one-day session scheduled for private sector drivers in the Nation. We are not closing borders; the platform is open for other sectors’ partnerships to fulfil our aims. One thing we have done differently is have a Think-Tank committee for the first time to tackle issues in line with President Tinubu’s mandate. The Think Tank committee would help the President provide solutions to several problems. We will also co-create solutions with Diasporas to engage and tackle challenges headlong.
Professor Sulaimon Elias Bogoro,Prof.Animal science and former Executive Secretary, TETFUND, at the Summit, Affirmed the roles of TETFUND in support of Educational Research in Nigeria, which, in other words, generated needed results in innovations and advancement. He said Nigeria’s research activities have been recognised by the African research field as number 6th. At the same time, it stands number one in the country due to our levels of integrity and structures. TETFUND has partnered with other ministries, such as MOU with the Ministry of Science and Technology. Cutting-edge innovations have been achieved via this partnership.
With 17 million Nigerians in the Diaspora, we need Data to use research and development to harness growth. What we want to do with all we have learnt at this Summit will determine the outputs of our activities here. There are lots of young people globally who are using cutting-edge innovations from our country. He stresses the essentials of the department in technology in research transfer innovation. He said we will have a research and development department at the University of Ibadan dealing with innovators in Diasporas.
In confirmations of institutions in the country that had received Grants in research, he mentioned Landmark and Redeemers University as significant institutions of Research Grants, but many still need to learn. In efforts to earn support for research innovations, he cited when he visited the Minister of Health residence for close to 2 hours of discussions on research and development in health sectors and looking forward to partnering with the Ministry to boost health innovations.
The Professor of Animal Science responded to Journalists’ questions on why there had been dwindled interest in research activities that it was because it’s not an activity you embarked on that guarantees you immediate results; you can start a little research and end up spending like 500 Dollars, so most people are not encouraged to do stuff like that. But we need to start somewhere; we are all aware that every Nation making so much progress breaks out from a resources-based to a knowledge-based economy. RDI is essential to the growth of any economy.
Those in the medical industry would understand that research is critical. Those with herbs had collaborated with researchers to fine-tune their activities. A few days ago, I heard someone mention bringing Innovation to Ado Bayero University (ABU) Zaria, which is a Chikabrown country breed, and that is a great innovation. However, we are so disappointed that there is no funding for the project. At FUNAAB University, they have FUNAAB-Alpha, an entirely new breed, sometimes non-scientific and very loud; when some say everything about GMB is wrong, I say no. Does it mean cross-breeding is wrong? Cause it’s also cross-breeding. In the content of effecting a change, In the Gene content of any Animal or plant, that is innovation, as it were. The lowest level is cross-breeding; at lower levels, we have animals that are F1 and are doing well. I want to confirm that significant innovations have gone out there. Still, the biggest challenge is our inability to recognise our intellectual properties and place them where they belong. Many brilliant scientists were also not rewarded for their innovative ideas beyond the laboratory. By increasing Research Grants, we would have great intentions. Most of the time, you hear many university lecturers discussing how to receive the next salary to feed their families because their salaries are not enough to cater for them. Nigerian professors’ salaries are equivalent to 300 dollars, while South Africa’s is 3000 dollars. These are issues that distract people; if we encourage, support and fund our Best and link with Industries in how we are recognised, things will improve.
You don’t rely on foreign nations’ results because they might not be willing to sell or share with you due to economic and political policies. Then it would be best if you did thorough research yourself. You are not independent of your needs until you can produce it yourself. It’s vital to know that this Summit is, therefore, seen promptly; hence, the 8-point Renew agenda of Mr President aligns with the Summit. When Mr President was inducted as Patron of the National Science Academy, he stated that every government policy and project would be subjected to scientific evaluations. Then, we can be sure that the outcome will last for the Nation.
AVM Jomo Osahon,Former Director General of the Defence Research Production Bureau, added his voice that there are many Military innovative activities that go unnoticed by the populace. He cited Instances of Lake Chad water that keep going down speedily, so people cannot navigate effectively on the water.
We met and discussed that we needed not just a flat boat but a unique boat that could go through marshy, mud or even shallow water, and I was tasked by the Air Chief Defence Staff to develop an Airboat innovation. It has been there, but the one we have is a unique one that would provide some level of protection for our soldiers and would also be a firepower that has never existed. We could design a boat in partnership with a company in Port-Harcourt to produce a prototype. The former President Buhari was excited to see it and commissioned us to produce 10 more. Let me tell you something unique that happened. At a military conference, some nations supporting us in the battle against insurgencies told us they learnt our Research and development department had produced an Airboat; they requested 100 pieces of them, or else they wouldn’t support us in battle anymore. This request falls on when the former President asked us to produce more. He asked for the time frame for production, and we told him soon; he approved and mobilised us with 50 per cent of the funds requested. So, innovations are happening in the country. Some of us must have heard of some aircraft bought by former president Goodluck Jonathan; those planes were not weaponised; we reached out to Germany, and those planes were Alfa jets, built by Germany and France. They requested 40 million Dollars for women’s evaluation alone. Some say it’s not possible to be weaponised. I travelled to Kainji with some of my engineering team and came up with the idea that we could do it. We developed a kind of Schematic drawing and computerised it so that when a particular bottom is pressed, you can imagine what the final outcome would be; we made a presentation to Air Marshall Sadiq Abubakar, who’s passionate about research and development in the Military, who he was so impressed and gave us go ahead. We bring the product out and comment somewhere like, this man, you have been given Vice Marshall already; what are you still looking for? Do you want to become the Chief or what?
The Germans said it was impossible, but you and your team have done it. As soon as we were mobilised, we had to come up with many models. They were tested and commissioned with only 5 Million Naira to weaponise the 4 Aircraft. Those Alfa-Jets are still flying today.
There are lots of scientific innovations going on and being achieved in the Military; it’s just that we don’t publish them due to policies.
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Nigeria’s ‘Fake’ Agency Exposed: Meet Director, 20 State Coordinators, China, US Representatives
The alleged fake National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office had a structure spanning several states and two foreign countries, with an acclaimed national coordinator, zonal directors, state coordinators and representatives in China and the United States,
A check by our correspondent on Saturday found that the office’s website listed Hon. Nwabueze George as its “Executive Director, National Coordinator,” alongside a director of national administration, three zonal directors, 20 state coordinators and representatives for the United States and China.
Recall that the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Musa Aliyu, disclosed on Friday that President Bola Tinubu had ordered the immediate arrest of George Nwabueze, identified by the commission as “the promoter” of the alleged fake office.
Tinubu also ordered the immediate suspension of three permanent secretaries — M.S. Danjuma, Nadungu Gagare and Richard P. Pheelangwah — following the discovery of the office, which the ICPC said it had been allocated space within the premises of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation without presidential authorisation.
The ICPC said the promoter was also found to have operated under several variations of his name, including George Nathan Nwabueze, George Nwabueze, George Buchi Nwabueze, Prince George Buchi Nwabueze and George Nwabueze.
Nwabueze and Zonal directors
The website listed Nwabueze as the “Executive Director, National Coordinator.”
It also listed Dr Bassey B. Unaowo as “Special Assistant to the Permanent Secretary on Political and Economic Affairs, OSGF”; Dr Hajara Njidda Amoni as Director, National Administration; Mr Oladunjoye Musiliua as Zonal Director, South-West; Hafsat Sahabi Dange as Zonal Director, North; and Mrs Ugochi Akudo Nwosu as Zonal Director, South-East.
Made in Nigeria Zonal Directors
Made in Nigeria Zonal Directors. Credit: website
The website also claimed that the project operated under the OSGF. Its framework page described the project as being overseen by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs, in the OSGF.
However, this claimed government connection is significant in light of the ICPC’s finding that the office was operating without presidential authorisation.
20 state coordinators
The website listed the following as state coordinators:
Katsina: Dr Babangida Kabir Ruma
Kaduna: Hon. Abdulhaleem Ishaq Ringim
Delta: Hon. Dr Godwin Adolor
Kebbi: Hussaini Abdullahi, Esq., FSI
Osun: Hon. Olugbemi Adetola Adelowokan
Anambra: Hon. Chiamaka Nnake
Nasarawa: Hon. Osolafia Muhammed, PhD
Plateau: Mrs Salome Audu Bidda
Benue: Hon. Orduen Andrew Ikon
Ondo: Amb. Orioye G. Benedict
Ogun: Hon. Engr. Kehinde Akintonide, FNSE
Sokoto: Hon. Ibrahim Umar Aliyu
Abia: Hon. Mrs Nwosu Chinyere R.
Zamfara: Hon. Ibrahim Bello Marafa
Niger: Haj. Zainab Mohammed
Kano: Hon. Abubakar Ahmad Bichi (Khalifa)
Taraba: Hon. Justin Aondoaseer Tyopuusu
Oyo: Alhaji Bello Kolawole Ghaffar, FCA
Bauchi: Hon. Farouq Siyi
Kogi: Hon. Olorukooba Bidemi
Made in Nigeria state coordinators. Credit: website
Newsthumb check also found indications that some of those listed had previously held public positions or had links to established political, governmental or community structures in their respective states.
Another fake agency! FG suspends three perm secs, orders arrest
Made in Nigeria state coordinators. Credit: website
Made in Nigeria state coordinators. Credit: website
In Taraba, Tyopuusu has been identified in recent reports as a Special Assistant to Governor Agbu Kefas on Digital Economy, while serving as the state coordinator of the Made in Nigeria Special Project.
Made in Nigeria state coordinators. Credit: website
Their inclusion on the website does not, by itself, establish that they were aware that the organisation had allegedly lacked government authorisation.
Efforts made so far to reach the management of the acclaimed agency is abortive as of the time of filing the report as all three phone numbers on its website are switched off. Message sent to the acclaimed national cordinator by our correspondent has not been replied.
Reps in US, China
The website also listed Hon. Emmanuel Enemali Achema as “Country Rep./Coordinator, U.S.A.” and Hon. Ameh Enedugbojo Glory as “Country Rep./Coordinator, China.”
Made in Nigeria country reps. Credit: website
The claimed international structure was presented alongside the state and zonal network as part of the organisation’s purported nationwide and international operations.
The office’s website described its activities as including trade exhibitions, economic forums, promotion of Nigerian products and support for small and medium-sized enterprises, claim ICPC disputed.
The development is the latest in an investigation into purported fictitious government bodies.
The ICPC had previously identified the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council and two other alleged fictitious bodies, the FCT Investment Promotion Agency and the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency and Public-Private Partnership.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima will serve as chairman and vice chairman of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, according to the list released Saturday morning.
Party Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda will also serve as vice chairman, while former Zamfara State governor Senator Abdulaziz Yari will serve as the director-general of the campaign.
Governor Hope Uzodimma will serve as secretary of the campaign council. APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru and Hadiza Bala-Usman will serve as deputy and assistant secretaries.
The chairman of the campaign Council, President Tinubu, will work with a body of advisers comprising Chief Bisi Akande, Chief Segun Osoba, Senator Rochas Okorocha, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, and Senator Florence Ita Giwa.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abass, and Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State have been assigned as deputy director-generals for the campaign in the south and the north. They will work with Senator Bamidele Opeyemi and Senator Jibril Barau in the two zones.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole will serve as deputy director-general in charge of mobilisation, while the President’s Chief of Staff will serve as deputy director-general for administration.
James Abiodun Faleke, who played a pivotal role in the 2022/2023 campaign, has returned as deputy director-general for election planning, coordination and monitoring.
Faleke will work with zonal directors, with Senator Olushola Adeyeye in the South West, Dr Ngozi Olejeme in the South South, Senator Uche Ekwunife in the South East, Muntaqha Rabe in the North West, Ahmed Muhammed Ketso in the North Central, and Senator Sani Danladi in the North East.
Ms Stella Okotete, Engineer Abdullahi Garba Ramat and Audu Maikori will serve as secretaries of the election planning directorate.
Muiz Adeyemi Banire will lead the legal directorate as director, with Dr Liman Hassan and Babatunde Ogala as deputies. Other members are Prince Lateef Fagbemi, former governor Ibrahim Shema, Worgu Boms and Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, will serve as the coordinating director for media and Strategic Communication, along with Dele Alake, Bayo Onanuga, and Lanre Issa-Onilu. The media directorate also includes Tunde Rahman, Sunday Dare, Daniel Bwala, and Felix Morka, who have been assigned as coordinating deputy directors.
Abdulaziz AbdulAziz will work with three others, Temitope Ajayi, Arabinrin Aderonke, and Frederick Nwabufor, as coordinating secretaries of the media directorate. Segun Dada will serve as Director, New Media, the same role he performed in 2022. Solomon Arowolo will serve as Secretary, New Media.
The campaign has also appointed five spokespersons, led by Dele Alake. Other spokespersons are Alwan Hassan, Ayobami Oyalowo, Kemi Asekun-Shittu and Adamu Fanda.
President Tinubu has charged all council members to work tirelessly to deliver victory for the party in the January 2027 elections. He has also encouraged the leaders of the various directorates to reach out to other party members who may not have been formally listed to join their crucial efforts.
“We have delivered on our campaign promises and set our country on a path of economic progress. We are definitely out of the dark tunnel and are now at the cusp of reaping the benefits of a prosperous economy that will benefit all Nigerians. As we march into the campaign season, we have many achievements to trumpet—let us confidently showcase our record and inspire hope in every corner of our nation. Let us soundly defeat all those forces who plan to take our country backwards.”
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate arrest of one George Buchi Nwabueze and the suspension of three permanent secretaries over the discovery of another fake agency operating within the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
They include M.S. Danjuma, Nadungu Gagare, and Richard P. Pheelangwah.
Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Dr Musa Aliyu, SAN disclosed this to State House correspondents on Friday after briefing the President for the second time in two days, following an earlier meeting on Thursday.
Aliyu said the newly uncovered fake office, operating under the name “National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office,” had been illegally allocated office space within the premises of the OSGF, contrary to extant laws and without presidential authorisation.
He said, “Upon further briefing by ICPC to Mr President on the ongoing investigations into the fake Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council and procedural weaknesses in the public service, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has uncovered another fake agency and office operating under the name National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office, which has been illegally allocated office space within the premises of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation,” Aliyu said.
He said the discovery emerged in the course of the commission’s broader investigation, as earlier directed by President Tinubu, and identified the promoter of the fake office as one Prince George Buchi Nwabueze, who was found to be operating under multiple aliases.
“The fake agency office, National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office, was promoted by one George Buchi Nwabueze, with active suspected collaborators in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, contrary to extant laws and without authorisation of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The promoter was discovered to also operate under four other variations of his name: George Nathan, George Nathan Nwabueze, Honourable George Buchi Nwabueze, Prince George Buchi Nwabueze and George Nwabueze,” Aliyu said.
He revealed that the ICPC had engaged the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to ascertain vital information relating to the fake office under investigation, and had comprehensively briefed the President on the new developments.
“I have briefed Mr President comprehensively on these new developments. ICPC will continue with its investigations accordingly,” he said.
Aliyu said following the discovery, “Mr President has directed as follows: the immediate arrest of Prince George Buchi Nwabueze; the immediate suspension of the following permanent secretaries; M.S. Danjuma, Nadungu Gagare, and Richard P. Pheelangwah,” he said.
Friday’s development is the latest in a scandal that began with the exposure of the fictitious Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, whose self-styled Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, is currently facing prosecution on charges of forgery and impersonation.
The ICPC’s interim report, submitted to the President on August 6 after a 30-day investigation, had earlier disclosed the existence of two other fictitious bodies, the FCT Investment Promotion Agency and the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency and Public-Private Partnership.
The National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office is the fourth fake agency uncovered after the PFIFC scandal since early April.
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