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NASENI lists opportunities for fast-tracking industrialization at WES 2024
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has listed four opportunities for fast-tracking industrialization by Nigeria to include Leveraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), Investment in local manufacturing, Green Technologies, and Digital Transformation.
L-R: Mr. Mayowa Oludare, Editor in Chief, Global Financial Digest (Moderator); Mr. Tunde Kamali, Director, Office of of the Director General, representing Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director General, Security and Exchange Commission (SEC); Prof. Yaqub Jameelah Omolara, Head of Department of Economics, Lagos State University (LASU); Prof. Diran Akinleye, Head of Department of Economics, University of Lagos (UNILAG); and Mr Tunji Jimoh, Zonal Controller, Lagos, representing Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) during the panel discussion at the WorldStage Economic Summit (WES) 2014 at Ibis Hotel, Lagos on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.
Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive in a presentation titled “Fast-Tracking Industrialization Through Science and Engineering Infrastructure” at the WorldStage Economic Summit (WES) 2014 on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 in Lagos, said collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and research institutions are essential for driving technological advancements while PPPs can leverage resources, expertise, and funding to accelerate innovation and industrial growth.
Represented by Ibrahim Dauda Coordinating Director F&A of NASENI, the EVC said, “Developing local industries can create jobs, reduce imports, and boost the economy. Investing in local manufacturing capabilities strengthens the domestic industrial base and reduces reliance on foreign goods.”
As for Green Technologies, he said adopting sustainable technologies was crucial for long-term industrial growth as green technologies minimize environmental impact, promote resource efficiency, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Moreover, Halilu said, digital transformation entails harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and automation in industries to enhance efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness. Digital transformation is essential for staying ahead in the global marketplace.
At the WES 2024 with the theme: ‘Nigeria: Setting a Stage For Business And Economic Recovery’ Halilu described industrialization as a cornerstone of national development, driving economic growth, creating jobs, and improving living standards.
“Science and engineering play a pivotal role in this process, serving as the foundation for innovation, production efficiency, and technological advancements,” he said.
“The benefits of industrialization are in employment generation, poverty reduction, improved living standard, improved economic growth and development, balance of payment stability, self-reliance, stimulation of other sectors of the economy, and development of skilled manpower.”
At the WES 2024 which also attracted top executives and academicians including Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director General, Security and Exchange Commission (SEC); Prof Diran Akinleye, Head of Department of Economics, University of Lagos (UNILAG); Prof Yaqub Jameelah Omolara, Head of Department of Economics, Lagos State University (LASU), the NASENI boss said agency was at the forefront of advancing Nigeria’s science and engineering sectors to propel industrial growth and the role of science and engineering infrastructure Innovation hub, Technology transfer, and skilled workforce.
“Establishing centers for research and development in engineering, material science, and technology is crucial for fostering innovation. These hubs act as catalysts for groundbreaking discoveries and technological breakthroughs, driving industrial progress,” he said.
“Encouraging partnerships between academia, government, and private industries is essential for bridging the gap between research and practical application. This collaboration fosters innovation by facilitating the transfer of knowledge and technologies from research institutions to the industrial sector.
“Investing in education, training and retraining programs to produce skilled engineers, scientists, and technologists is paramount. A well-trained workforce is essential for implementing innovative technologies, driving productivity, and ensuring the success of industrialization efforts.”
He said NASENI as the only on-purpose built intervention agency of the Federal Government under the Presidency whose mandate include nurturing an appropriate and dynamic Science and Engineering infrastructure base for achieving home initiated and home sustained industrialization for Nigeria is ready support any innovative idea from Nigerians.
“NASENI is established with similar template like its contemporaries in the diaspora used for industrial development such as Standard and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) Thailand, Badan Pengkajian dan Penerapan Teknologi (BPPT) Indonesia, Government Technology Agency (GovTech) of Singapore,” he said.
Already, he said NASENI was making Contributions and Future Strategies in the areas of R&D and Innovation, Capacity Building Programs, Policy Support and Advocacy, Energy,
“NASENI is actively involved in research and development projects in areas such as renewable energy, automation, and advanced manufacturing. These projects aim to develop innovative technologies and solutions for industrial applications,” he said.
He listed some of NASENI commercialized products to include NASENI 14-inch Professional Laptop, NASENI Electric KEKE, NASENI IP66 200W Solar Light, NASENI Android Smartphone, NASENI 10-inch Android Tablet, NASENI Solar Irrigation Pump, NASENI ENERGY SAVING LED LIGHT, NASENI SOLAR GENERATOR.
With a vision of a technologically advanced and industrialized Nigeria, where science and engineering drive economic prosperity and societal progress, he said the agency was committed to playing a pivotal role in realizing this vision.
“Continuous investment in science and engineering is crucial for sustainable industrial growth,” he said.
“By prioritizing research, development, and innovation, Nigeria can unlock its full potential and achieve a brighter future.”
News
Access Bank Appoints Uche Orji as Independent Non-Executive Director
Access Bank Appoints Uche Orji as Independent Non-Executive Director
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
Access Holdings Plc (‘the Company’) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Uche Orji as an Independent Non-Executive Director of its flagship subsidiary, Access Bank Plc (‘the Bank’), effective from January 7, 2025, following the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (‘CBN’).
This appointment reflects our commitment to enhancing our governance practices and ensuring a diverse and experienced board.
Mr. Orji is a renowned investment banking professional, information technology entrepreneur, and finance expert with three (3) decades of professional and board experience. He is the Co-founder and Partner of Titangate Capital Management, an equity firm that invests in deep-tech, enterprise software, semi-conductors, hardware, and artificial intelligence companies.
He is the Founder and Director of Vitesse Africa Limited, an investment advisory firm focused on African energy, technology and infrastructure sectors. He serves as an Executive Board member and investor in Ultrasafe AI, an artificial intelligence/IT development firm that maintains strategic collaborations with leading technology companies. He also sits on the Board of Private Infrastructure Development Group, London, and chairs the Risk Committee.
Previously, Mr. Orji served as the founding Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority. He held positions as Managing Director and Senior Analyst at UBS Securities Limited New York and Managing Director and Head of European Technology/Semiconductor Equity Research at JP Morgan Securities, London. He also served as Executive Director/Portfolio Manager at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, London. Earlier in his career, he was Acting Financial Controller at Diamond Bank Limited and an Audit Trainee at Arthur Andersen & Co.
He holds a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Port-Harcourt and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School.
Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Paul Usoro, SAN, the Chairman of the Bank said:
“Mr. Orji has been appointed based on his exceptionally rich professional, academic, and corporate board experience which will be invaluable to the Bank as we continue to pursue our strategic objectives.
We are confident that his addition to the Board would further enrich the quality of our decision-making process, enabling us to deliver even greater value to our customers and stakeholders.
His appointment has been made in accordance with the Bank’s internal policies and has been notified to all relevant regulatory authorities underscoring our commitment to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance.
On behalf of the Board, Management and staff, I warmly welcome Mr. Orji to the Board and look forward to his contributions towards our goal of becoming one of the top 5 African Banks in the shortest possible time.”
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Go and List Your Challenges, Lagos Speaker tells NANS Member During Courtesy Visit
Go and List Your Challenges, Lagos Speaker tells NANS Member During Courtesy Visit
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Lagos State University (LASU) branch, on Friday paid a courtesy visit on the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Princess Mojisola Lasbat Meranda.
The student representatives said the visit was to congratulate Meranda over her emergence as Speaker of the State Assembly.
Meranda, an alumnus of LASU, was elected Speaker on January 13 after the removal of Mudashiru Obasa by the lawmakers over issues relating to alleged high-handedness and financial impropriety.
Describing her as a thoroughbred Lagosian, the chairman of NANS, Abdulraheem Azeez, used the opportunity to list some of the challenges faced by students in the university.
According to him, students have had to read in darkness as the Ikeja campus gets less than two hours of power supply daily.
Azeez also raised the need for the State to make available loans for indigent students as well as for the Assembly to provide opportunities for students to witness the plenary of the House.
Meranda, while thanking the students for the visit, urged them to always attend town-hall meetings in their constituencies where they can contribute and make their opinions known.
She further encouraged them to apply for the loans initiated by the government as done by students in other countries.
The Speaker requested the students to formally send their complaints in written forms to the House for action.
News
EFCC Tasks Corps Members on Corruption
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
EFCC Tasks Corps Members on Corruption
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede charge members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, to be change agents and strong resisting force against corruption.
He also enjoined them to be active foot soldiers and whistle-blowers or intelligence-gatherers against corruption.
Speaking on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Yikpata, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, Olukoyede said It is important for youths to realise that, these roles, if performed creditably, will bring up appreciable growth in the economy of our nation. He said that, “creative energies of youths will be maximised when corruption is brought to its knees.”
The EFCC boss whose address was delivered by the Head, Public Affairs Department, Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, Ayodele Babatunde said that most of the problem confronting the country such as kidnapping, banditry, poor infrastructure, among others were connected to corruption. He added that all hands must be on the deck to tame the cankerworm.
Olukoyede encouraged the youths to embrace the virtues of hard work and shun fraudulent practices such as cybercrime noting that, “it’s profitable to earn dignity and fame through hard work and legit business.”
While calling on the youths to channel their potentials productively and shun crime, the EFCC Chair said that, “Yahoo-Yahoo is not a sustainable way of life.”
“There is no shortcut to wealth and fame. The fact that the rate of unemployment is high should not be an excuse to resort to crime. Act of criminality might deliver wealth in the short term but there will be misery and gnashing of teeth”, he said.
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