By Godfrey Osejele
Sequel to the 6th National Science, Technology and Innovation (NSTI) exposition held at Eagle Square in Abuja from March 14th- 18th,, organized by the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, where Edo State emerged second in the States Award category, the Edo State Government has presented an award and a letter of commendation to the representative of the State, Engr. Eghosa Igbinosa.
The 2022 National Science and Tech Expo series had as its theme: ‘Sustaining National Economic Growth through Science, Technology and Innovation’. Imo State emerged winner of the 6th edition.
The awards’ presentation was done at the office of the Ministry of Science and Technology situated in the State Secretariat Complex on Benin-Sapele Road.
The recipient, Engr. Igbinosa, a Ph.D student of the Department of Production Engineering, University of Benin, whose invention of a one-ton truck, positioned Edo to emerge second position in the exposition, received the awards from the State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr. Bartholomew Brai, who represented Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Dr. Brai expressed appreciation to the State Governor for providing the enabling environment and his commitment to the development of Science and Technology in the State.
He highlighted the imperatives of Science and Technology towards the actualization of the State’s MEGA Agenda, adding that one of the policies of the State Ministry of Science and Technology is to encourage local inventors and innovators to come up with equipment and technological tools and gadgets that will drive the economy of the State and make it a technological hub in Nigeria.
The permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Birgitta Okodugha, said the State is blessed with the achievement and looking forward to discovering more inventors, asserting that the importance of the innovation (one-ton truck) cannot be over emphasized as it is a utility vehicle that can also serve as a means of conveying agricultural produce especially in the rural communities.
Engr. Igbinosa who could not conceal his excitement, said he got his inspiration from God. He added that he came to the discovery that transportation of goods is critical to the economy of any State, which informed his decision to ponder and seek ways to ameliorate the difficulties people go through in the bid to convey their products to the desired destinations.
He added that over 80 per cent of the materials and contents that were used to manufacture the one-ton truck was locally sourced and as result, the vehicle is cheap to maintain.
