The Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO), Oshodi, Lagos, has set up a Southwest zonal office in Akure, Ondo State capital, in a bid to carry out research at the grassroots. The Director General of FIIRO, Dr. Jummai Adamu, stated that the newly commissioned office will give FIIRO the enabling environment to carry out its duties diligently.

According to her, the sole aim of the institute is to carry out research and development activities at the grass-roots level so as to utilise all the available raw materials across the country.

Explaining further the importance of the new office to the Institute, she said: “The commissioning of this edifice is a special one as the South West Zonal office is being presented with a state-of-the-art, functional, and befitting workplace that would spur a scientific revolution in this great region of the nation.

“The provision of befitting office space is imperative in the conduct of business meetings, research, and administration and also serves as an area for employees to work professionally with a good image, making organisations look more credible in the eyes of the public.

“It further helps organisations build a strong brand presence for ease of identification by customers, which could offer a unique blend of flexibility, comfort, and modern design that is perfect for customers and organisations.”.

Dr. Adamu also revealed that since the inception of the agency in 1953, the institution has been vigorously pursuing its vision and mission, which were to be the foremost centre for science and technology-based research and development for the industrialization and socio-economic advancement of the nation and to conduct and promote market-driven research and development for the industrialization and socio-economic development of the country.

“It is noteworthy to mention that we have developed over two hundred and fifty (250) products, goods, and services through the efforts of the dedicated and diligent staff of the institute in the last few years,” she said.

Speaking on the importance of innovation to the development of a nation, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, represented by his technical adviser on strategy and programmes, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, said that no nation can achieve meaningful development without harnessing the power of innovation and technology.

He further revealed that, as part of its commitment to enhance the Nigerian technology environment, the Federal Government has established technology and innovation centres across the six geopolitical zones of the country that will serve as hubs to bring together all stakeholders in the innovation, science, and technology ecosystem to chart the way forward for the utilisation of both mineral and human resources for global competitiveness.

According to him, the federal government realised the role of innovation in the country and, thus, developed many policies and programmes that are critical to sectoral advancement.