Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has emphasized the need to make the country livable for the people so as to harness their talents for national growth.
Akeredolu said in order to achieve Nigeria’s goals for Science and Technological advancement, the country must be made conducive for living, particularly for the young ones.
The governor spoke on Tuesday while receiving members of the Governing Board of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) led by the Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladie Igali, and the Vice Chancellor, Professor Joseph Adeola Fuwape, at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office, Alagbaka, Akure.
Speaking on the growth of Science and Technology in the country, Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said: “For us in science and technology, we need to do more. Japanese, Chinese and other developed countries send people to where science is the best. We have heard of countries that send their people to the USA to train on Science and Technology.
“They didn’t stay there. They went back to their country to develop it. Commitment to one’s country is key. But we need to make this country a livable place so that the young ones will be confident and have hope to live in this country.”
Akeredolu, who stressed that the people are living in fear, noted that something must be done urgently to address the situation and restore hope to the minds of the people.
“Look at what is happening in Zamfara. They try to clothe it and call them bandits. They are terrorists. So, the growth in science cannot be based on just your charge but the conducive environment in the country,” he said.
Akeredolu emphasised the need for the country to embrace modern ways of animal husbandry, describing open grazing as old and now illegal in the state.
He said: “Today, I can say there are modern ways of animal husbandry and we have to take the bull by the horns. We are not afraid to take decisions. Modernity has taught us that you can extract more milk from cows in a modern way better than when you take them from one place to another. It is about science. People have developed that science.
“I’m happy when I see Mr President go to Katsina and visit his cows. They are well kept. Technology of animal husbandry, we must embrace it.”
Akeredolu described FUTA as one of the leading Universities in the country, particularly in terms of research.
“We take pride in FUTA and its achievements over time. And I have had serious connections with FUTA not only as a Governor. We have strong relationship with FUTA. FUTA, for us, is one of the leading universities of technology in Nigeria if not the leading. One of our lecturers won the best researcher award in the country. I congratulate you,” Akeredolu said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Governing Council of the institution, Ambassador Godknows Boladie Igali, lauded the strides of Akeredolu, adding that the state is poised to get to the top place in the country.
“Seeing the transformation, especially the urban renewal, it is tremendous. Your focus on education, we know what you are doing on Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa (OAUSTECH).
“Since you assumed office, you have done a lot and you have shown yourself to be a friend of the university. You helped us established the tech hub. You have helped the University in terms of some external works.
“Thank you for all the efforts that were put in to get the approval for the medical college. We will be able to get serious research into the medical science,” he said.
He reiterated the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to the growth of Science and Technology in the country.
