By Frank Momoh
Nigeria is concluding arrangement with North Korea to deploy nuclear technology to combat the scourge of malaria in the country
and Africa in general.
The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya disclosed this when the Ambassador of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Mr. Jon Tong Choi paid him a courtesy call in his office on Monday in Abuja.
Towards this end, Dr. Onu stressed that collaboration between Nigeria and North Korea in nuclear technology will sterilize the reproductive ability of anopheles’ mosquitos which is the vector carrier of the disease.
According to the Minister, nuclear technology will be deployed to control the birth of anopheles’ mosquitoes, adding that malaria is the number one cause of death among Africans.
In view of this, Nigeria will take the lead in the eradication of malaria menace on the continent, Dr. Onu added.
Dr. Onu also opined that malaria has a debilitating effect on the economy by reducing productivity of the workforce.
Earlier, the Ambassador of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Mr. Jon Tong Choi said that North Korea will be partnering with Nigeria in developing science and technology through exchange of researchers from research institutes of both countries.
Mr. Choi noted that science and technology is an important asset of any country adding that science and technology is the foundation of economic development.