By Dele Ogbodo
The Federal Government, yesterday called on African leaders to collaborate and work together for rapid development of the continent.
The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, made the call when he received the Ambassador of Burundi to Nigeria, Mr. Emmanuel Mofayokurera in his office in Abuja.
The minister stressed the urgent need to intensify efforts at developing science, technology and innovation within the continent by harnessing the enormous natural resources the continent is blessed with.
Dr. Onu, particularly noted that science and technology was crucial to the future of any nation, adding that the collaboration between Burundi and Nigeria for instance will make for a better future for the two nations and the world at large.
He said the ministry is working assiduously to redirect the Nigerian economy from a resource – base to a knowledge driven economy, which will be of immense benefit to Nigerians.
According to the minister, there are tremendous benefits to tap from the knowledge driven economy, including gainful employment to the youths and professionals, create wealth and grow our economy and reduce poverty in the land.
“Nigeria cannot be poor as we are blessed with raw materials that everyone in the world requires.” He added.
In his remarks, Mofayokurera, said an economic integration convention slated for the end of this month in Calabar, will be used to discuss the need for African nations to migrate from resource based economy to knowledge one.
He said he believed that Nigeria is the powerhouse of Africa and with the convention, it will be a starting point for Africa to arouse the people’s consciousness in the area of science, technology and innovation.