Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister of Science and Technology, has called for effective deployment of Science, Technology and Innovation for cultural transformation and promotion of national security in Nigeria.
Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu made the call while delivering a lecture on the theme “Cultural Values, Security, Science and Technology: Optimizing the Linkage and Opportunities” to participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC)11 of the Institute of Security studies (ISS) in Abuja.
He said the management of over 500 ethnic groups, with different cultural values posed a challenge to national security as witnessed in numerous communal conflicts, religious tension, social upheaval and economic conflicts.
“The Vision, creativity, Innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of the science and technology community is all that we need to overcome the challenges arising from our cultural diversity so as to promote national security and help build a secure future for our country” , he added.
It is when this is done, he explained, that “we will then be able to effectively face the challenge of combating insurgency and many conflicts so as to safeguard our national security “.
He noted that strengthening the dialogue between policy makers and scientists as well as boosting federal support for science and technology is crucial to national security and the prosperity of the nation.
The minister said: “This will undoubtedly have a positive effect on national security. Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation will provide the instrument for cultural transformation and maximization of national security benefits for sustainable national development”, he added.
Also speaking, Dr. Onu stressed that the linkages between science and technology is replete with a lot of opportunities, adding that new jobs and wealth can be created through an efficient utilization of this relationship as tourism contributes huge resource’s to the economy of many countries.
In his remarks, the director of the Institute, Mr. Mathew Seiyefa, expressed his appreciation for the insightful lecture by the Minister and commended him for his patriotism and strong sense of duty.
The deputy director of the school, Dr. Abdulwahab Muhammed-Wali, said the participants have been greatly enriched and expressed optimism that Nigeria will experience peace and stability despite propaganda and fake news by the enemies of the country.