LAGOS GOVT. HIGHLIGHTS BENEFITS OF TECHNOLOGY FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT DURING WORLD SCIENCE DAY CELEBRATION

Lagos State Government is committed to investing significantly in Science and Technology which is critical to the development of the State and Nation.

The Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Hakeem Fahm disclosed this on Thursday at an event organised by the Ministry to commemorate the Year 2022 World Science Day for Peace and Development.

Fahm said the quest to give adequate attention to providing well-equipped science laboratories in schools across the State is part of the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's administration of laying emphasies on the need to equip students with the knowledge and skills for the 21st century.

He reiterated that science and technology remain key enablers to transform the socio-economic development, as such the State Government is committed to delivering good governance and improving the lives of Lagosians.

“Our goal to achieve technological advancement can only be realised if we encourage the study of science subjects in all schools”, Fahm noted.

He informed that for any nation to grow, science must provide ways to strengthen the application of technology, especially in schools as the students are the leaders of tomorrow.

Fahm reiterated that World Science Day for Peace and Development gives room for highlighting the important role of science in society and the need to engage the wider public in debates on emerging scientific issues.

The Commissioner said that the challenge of science is crucial to improving the productivity of the youths, thus the present administration will continue to support science and create enabling environment through policies and initiatives.

“Creative thinking capacity of our youths can be expressed and productively harnessed through encouragement, capacity building and maximisation of potentials and an enabling environment, as the state will not relent in its effort to providing well-equipped science laboratories in all schools”, he added.

The Chairman House Committee on Science and Technology, Hon. Olanrewaju Afinni in his remark said that World Science Day aimed at encouraging young scientists to get involved in the field of Science.

Afinni urged stakeholders to continue to maintain the objectives of World Science Day for Peace and Development by strengthening public awareness of the role of science in a peaceful and sustainable society, renewing national and international commitment for use of science for the benefit of societies as well as draw attention to the challenges faced by science and scientific endeavour.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Engr. Ibilola Kasunmu earlier in her welcome address said the Y2022 World Science Day for Peace and Development, themed “Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development”, offers the opportunity to mobilise all actors around the topic of science for peace and development from government officials to the media to school pupils.

Kasunmu informed that UNESCO strongly encourages all to join in celebrating World Science Day for Peace and Development by organising their own event and activity on any chosen day, hence the State has chosen today to commemorate the Y2022 World Science Day.

She said Lagos State Government has introduced the initiative of mitigating the effects of carbon footprint by involving Secondary School students in a competition called Science Challenge with the theme “Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Lagos State” where students bring up initiatives that can combat or mitigate the effects of carbon.

The Permanent Secretary revealed that over 300 entries/initiatives from various participants were received and the best 10 individuals with the best initiatives were selected for today’s Grand Finale/Award Ceremony and are regarded as Y2022 World Science Day Ambassadors.

“The Schools that took the 4th to 10th positions received one Projector and one Screen each while 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions received one Interactive Board, one Laptop and one Projector each. Also, all the Schools that participated in the competition received certificates”, she stated.

The World Science Day for Peace and Development, celebrated every year on 10th November, was established by UNESCO in 2001 with the aim of highlighting the important role of science in society and the need to engage the wider public in debates on emerging and important contemporary issues relevant to science.