The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnnaya Onu, has said that the 2021 budget allocation to the Ministry would create more employment opportunities for the Nigerian Youth and wealth generation.
The Minister disclosed this Thursday while addressing his speech at the 18th meeting of National Council of Science, Technology and Innovation (NCSTI) Thursday in Abuja.
His word, “The importance of this meeting cannot be over emphasized, as it presents the needed platform to discuss the development and sustainability of the nation’s economy using Science, Technology and Innovation.
“The theme for this year’s Council Meeting, which is “Utilization of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for Post COVID-19 Socio-economic Recovery and Sustainability”, is very appropriate. As we all know, productive activities in most countries of the world declined drastically due to the devastating effects of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.
“This was shown by the unprecedented disruptions in global supply chains, drop in global crude oil prices as well as turmoil in global stock and financial markets. This resulted in Government activities aimed at preparing adequately for our socio-economic development Agenda to effectively combat the post COVID-19 pandemic.
“In its contribution to the provision of home-grown solutions to confront the COVID-19 pandemic as it affects the healthcare system of the nation, I am happy to inform you that the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology constituted a Ministerial Committee on COVID-19 Herbal Remedies and Natural Compounds.
“The Committee was charged with the responsibility to authenticate the claims of anti COVID-19 products produced by Scientists, Researchers and Traditional Medicine Practitioners.
“The submissions made by the claimants are currently undergoing review by the Ministerial Committee.
4.Furthermore, the Ministry has developed a strategy of Prevention, Tracking, Testing and Treatment (PT3) for short, medium and long term basis.