The Commissioner Ministry of Science and Technology Plateau State, Hon. Prof. Goselle Obed Nanjul has illuminated the bold steps taking by Governor Caleb Manasah Mutfwang’s administration aimed at revamping, resuscitating and restoring the mandate of Plateau State Ministry of Science and Technology and innovation has being put in place.
The Commissioner made the disclosure while presenting the ministry scorecard and achievements at the ongoing Ministerial Press Briefing yesterday 6th May, 2024, which took place at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Education Joseph Gomwok State Secretariat Jos, the Plateau State capital.
Hon. Prof. Nanjul stated that from the commencement of the current administration, great strides aimed at revamping, resuscitating and restoring the mandate of the Ministry and sync with the vision of His Excellency Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang are being put in place.
A. WITHIN THE MINISTRY
1.Hosting of the Natural Medicine day with the theme “Exploring the
potentials of Natural Medicine”. This was after more than ten years of it not been hosted. The vision is in order to
regulate the activities of herbal medicine practitioners and to generate revenue for the State. A bill has been
drafted and to be presented to the Plateau State House of Assembly soon.
2.In order to encourage and restore hope to our youthful teaming inventors, innovators and researchers, three potential bills have also been drafted.
Firstly, the Plateau State Research and Innovation Council (PLASRIC);
Secondly, the Plateau State Research and Innovation Foundation (PLASRIF);
Thirdly, the Plateau State Technical Advisory Committees Council
(PLASTACc)
3.A request for the amendment of the law establishing the Plateau state Vocational and Relevant Technology board has also been proposed. That for the first time since its creation in 1974, His Excellency Barrister Caleb M.
Mutfwang approved a 50% retainership for the Board. This will not only
encourage and revamp the board, but it will also enable her to fulfil her
mandate and role which is the incubation of future Technologist, creation of jobs, empowering the middle class and reducing social vices and insecurity in Plateau State.
4.The Ministry through the Honorable Commissioner and other Directors paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital
Economy Hon. Bosun Tijani, where various challenges confronting the Ministry were x-rayed, especially in the areas of Technical business community. Chiefly amongst which was right of way by various State
Government which has hindered the easy laying of fibber optics cables. The Ministry was optimistic that Plateau State will benefit more from the soon to be launched Agricultural Technology.
5.We have also set up the Plateau State Technical Working Group which will be inaugurated very soon.
6.The Ministry also participated at the 2024 Science and Technology Expo
(15th-19th march 2024) organised by the Federal Ministry of Science and
Technology. Three (3) indigenous innovators with their products were exposed by the Ministry.
I. NYOHANNAN PJ Enterprise Ltd Product:
° Modern Charcoal Stove
II. ZangTronics Global Ltd
° Indigenous Power Bank made from recycled electronic waste
° Solar Lantern.
° Computer foot mouse
III. NITY GRITTY
° HOUVA APP (for Surveillance )
7.The request for the creation of revenue windows which has great tendencies of revamping the Ministry has been sought for and is presently at the consideration for approval by the Plateau State Revenue Council.
B. AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL IN THE MINISTRY
1.The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) for the first time since the creation NITDA hosted the Stakeholders and ICT Eco-
system Development program on a very important and vital subject
entitled: “Creating Opportunities, Breaking Boundaries: Towards
Digitalization and Entrepreneurial Evolution”. It is important to state that this effort will culminate into Plateau State hosting the North Central Office of NITDA Come 2024 and create jobs for our youths.
2.The long awaited multi-billion naira Food Processing Equipment and Machinery Development Institute (FOPEMDI) sponsored by the National Agency for Science, Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) to be cited in the State will soon become a reality. This Institute has the potentials of creating thousands of jobs. Compensations for landowners have also been graciously approved by HE Barrister Caleb M. Mutfwang.
3.Renovation of the National Zonal Office of NASENI has also been done by the Executive Governor of Plateau State, HE Barrister Caleb Mutfwang
C. AT THE INTERNATIONAL LEVEL IN THE MINISTRY
1.The Ministry of Science and Technology has in conjunction with the people and government of Japan proposed to establish the Plateau State Hybrid Fuel Fusion Plant (PLASHFFUP). The Hybrid Fuel Fusion Plant can supply safe, clean, and nearly limitless power, convert energy released from fusion reactions into electricity to power our homes, businesses, and other needs in Plateau State. Expectations for the take- off of the plant is expected soon. As expected, it will increase bowels of revenue generation for the Plateau state in the immediate and long term and will create more job opportunities for the teaming youths of Plateau State.
2.Efforts have also been made to finalize with the BJORN STEIGER STIFTUNG FOUNDATION for the establishment of an emergency medical rescue system and Mercedes Benz manufacturing facility in Plateau State. This project once established, has the tendencies of creation ten thousands of jobs in Plateau
State and increase the revenue base of the State.
It is on this note that I once again appreciate His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for the unwavering supports to revamping the Ministry of Science and Technology and to the beautiful people of Plateau State for the contributions, prayers and supports for the actualization of the “Time Is now” agenda.
