President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday announced the establishment of the National Engineering and Innovation Fund at the 2024 Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, International Engineering Conference Exhibition in Abuja.
Represented by Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, Tinubu highlighted the fund’s focus on supporting local innovations, fostering entrepreneurship, and advancing Nigeria’s engineering sector.
This fund is designed to provide grants and resources to engineers and technologists working on solutions for Nigeria’s unique challenges,” Tinubu stated.
The fund also aims to enhance regulatory standards, ensuring that licensed and qualified professionals lead critical national projects. Tinubu encouraged engineers to explore renewable energy technologies, emphasizing their role in providing sustainable energy solutions.
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Speakers at the event addressed Nigeria’s dual challenges of food security and climate resilience. Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, called for innovative engineering solutions to reduce post-harvest losses and improve agricultural productivity. He emphasized the need for affordable, adaptable machinery tailored to Nigerian terrains and crops.
Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno State urged engineers to prioritize research in irrigation, water harvesting, and alternative energy sources like solar and biomass to boost food production and combat environmental degradation.
NSE President, Margaret Oguntala described the conference as a call to action for engineers to lead the charge in addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
“Food insecurity and climate change demand sustainable solutions. As engineers, our tools can pioneer advancements that serve both Nigeria and the global community,” Oguntala stated.
She pledged NSE’s commitment to partnering with the government, academia, and industry to implement innovative solutions and safeguard Nigeria’s future.
This bold initiative underscores Nigeria’s drive to harness engineering expertise for sustainable development, ensuring a future where every Nigerian thrives.
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