Investments in science institutes will revive Nigeria’s economy, says Wike

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike says investments in science research institutions will help in reviving the country’s economy.

He stated this yesterday when the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

Wike said that a diversified economy would create employment opportunities for the people.

According to him: “We must sustain the development of technology for the growth of the country. I urge that we begin to use research reports from science institutes to attain the desired growth.

“The development of relevant machinery and equipment will help create jobs locally and enhance the economy.”

The governor commended the minister for establishing the Chemical Equipment and Machinery Development Institute in Port Harcourt.

He said Onu has exhibited maturity by siting the project in Rivers State, pointing out that other ministers would have been influenced by political considerations.

Wike directed the Administrator of Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority to liaise with the Ministry of Science and Technology for the allocation of land for the institute.

Earlier, Onu stated that the institute was a part of the process to build a knowledge-based economy that will sustain the country.

Onu said the over-reliance on oil and gas has made it difficult for the country’s economy to grow in view of emerging realities.