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The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has rallied Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s agenda for a prosperous and resilient Nigeria.
Nnaji, who said that sustainable development lies at the heart of the country’s priorities, made the remarks at the National Launch of the Grand Challenges Nigeria Project, at Banquet Hall, Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
He noted that in a rapidly evolving world innovation was essential.
“Today’s challenges, climate change, food security, health, and technology access, require bold, creative solutions,” he stated, adding that “for Nigeria to thrive, we must develop solutions that meet today’s needs without compromising future generations.
“Our cultural diversity and resource richness provide a unique foundation for creating a sustainable, prosperous future.
“The Grand Challenges Nigeria Project will act as a collaborative platform, uniting government, academia, the private sector, and development partners.
“Working together, we will identify pressing issues and harness our brightest minds to create impactful solutions.
“No single entity has all the answers; by combining resources and expertise, we can implement multi- dimensional strategies with far-reaching benefits, contributing to President Tinubu’s goals of inclusive prosperity and strengthened national development.”
“As we launch this initiative, I call upon all stakeholders to join us in this transformative endeavour.
“Let us commit to collaboration, nurture talent, and cultivate an innovative landscape that champions sustainable development and supports President Tinubu’s agenda for a prosperous and resilient Nigeria,” he urged the citizens.
In his speech for the official launch of the Grand Challenges Nigeria National Initiative, the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, said a sense of urgency was imposed upon Nigerians “by the rapid pace at which our world is evolving in the realms of science and technology.
“The rules of the world in this century compel us not only to contextualise solutions to our unique national challenges, but also to draw inspiration to innovate. What has brought us together here today, the Grand Challenges Nigeria initiative, is a call to action.
“It is a timely intervention that aligns with the agenda of this administration while driving advancements in public health, nutrition, and sustainable development across Nigeria.”
While making his remarks, the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, who is also the Chairman, Board of Trustees of The Nutrition Society of Nigeria said the populace faced sobering health and development realities as Nigerians, noting that there has been much debate about where the blame for this should lie.
“With a population of less than 300 million people, we have more poor people than any nation in the world, including China and India, which have more than a billion people.
“We rank 110th out of 125 countries on the 2024 Global Hunger Index, even worse than some countries at war.
“The death of a woman at childbirth is at a criminally high rate of 1,047 women per 100,000 live births, and we are still losing 107 children before the age of five years for every 1,000 live births.
“Last year, we may have lost an estimated 200,000 people to malaria, and we did not have nearly enough physicians to care for our people, even before losing them to the health systems of other countries.
“Regardless of where you put the blame, the responsibility for ameliorating these difficult conditions will require both focused efforts and collective action,” he advised.
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