ABUJA Nigeria has joined the league of nations who use science-based technology to create wealth, according to the Minister of Science and Technology, Mrs. Grace Ekpiwhre.

She spoke in Abuja at the opening of a two-day workshop, tagged: “eNNovate 2008”.
Ekpiwhre said Nigeria had successfully launched two satellites in space, while it currently manufactures and assembles computers.

“These are positive development geared toward the advancement of technology,” she added.

Represented by Dr Umar Bindin, a Director in the ministry, Ekpiwhre stressed the need to address the challenges facing the larger percentage of the nation’s population.

“This will enable the face of technological development to change completely,” she said.

The minister said 70 per cent of the people resided in rural areas, without basic infrastructure such as electricity, potable water, good roads, health care and schools.

With democratic government in place, she said, the challenges would be tackled gradually, thereby paving way for the development of localities and the people.

Ekpiwhre urged participants at the workshop to come up with implementable recommendations that would promote technological advancement.

The initiator of “eNNovate 2008,” Mr. Calixthus Okoruwa, said the workshop was meant to promote the role of governance and leadership, using the concept of e-government.

“The workshop is a platform for facilitating leadership and economic development in the country.