Minister Challenges ECOWAS On Socio-economic Development

The Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI), Dr. Adeleke Mamora, has tasked ECOWAS with using STI to improve society and foster socioeconomic growth.

The minister issued the challenge on Friday in Abuja at the closing ceremony of the inaugural African Research and Innovation Forum (FARI) 2022.

According to Mamora, the territory's main challenge is addressing the issue of the people's socioeconomic growth; as a result, the region should utilise STI.

“That is the challenge and we know we can do it and we will do it, we cannot afford to wait for STI to be a global concept.

“It is about doing things better, faster and greater, as well as achieving results and Africa cannot and should not be left behind,’’ he said.

According to Mamora, STI is at the centre of important national growth and is a major subject of discussion and attention for any well-intentioned government.

The STI minister exhorted ECOWAS to confront these difficulties while also challenging itself.

By hosting the inaugural FARI, he claimed Nigeria had made a significant first step, and any other ECOWAS country hosting the subsequent edition should enhance the FARI idea.

Mamora continued by saying that in order to promote African research and innovation, the FARI model would improve and expand.

He said: "FARI should be a good time for African scientists, researchers and innovators while building the foundation for a more STI-secured ECOWAS.”

The awarding of FARI diplomas and honours in numerous categories was the event's high point.

The inaugural edition of FARI was hosted by President Muhammadu Buhari, who received the ECOWAS Award of Recognition.

The top three start-ups received FARI Awards, and SETTIC-Senegal won first place and a monetary prize of $25,000 for their efforts.

The second-place finisher, EDINDIA Industry of Cote D'Ivoire, received a cash prize of 15,000 dollars, and the third-place finisher, HAJNADY-Nigeria, received a cash prize of 10,000 dollars.