Northern Govs To Establish Science, Technology Parks

The 19 Northern Governors on Thursday resolved to establish Nigerian Science and Technology Parks in their states to fast-tract development in the region.

The governors’ resolution is contained in an 11-point communique read to newsmen by the forum’s Chairman, Gov. Babangida Aliyu of Niger, shortly after the seven hours deliberations in Kaduna.

Aliyu said the decision was taken after the Minister of Science and Technology had briefed the forum on the enormous advantages of setting up the Parks. The governors also resolved to implement the recommendations of the retired Gen. Theophilus Danjuma’s Committee, earlier presented to the forum for deliberations. Newsmen report that the committee was set up to make recommendations in the areas of agriculture, education, finance and human development, for implementation.

It also agreed to aggressively pursue the issue of alternative sources of energy, payment of counter-part funding to relevant agencies and the involvement of private sector in arresting desert encroachment.

“The forum viewed with serious concern, the activities of cartel in fertiliser procurement, distribution and marketing as well as the questionable quality of the commodity and its safety to both people and the environment. “The Forum agreed to promptly take it up with the Federal Government. It also agreed to make conscious efforts in addressing the issues raised by the wives of the Northern Governors during their recent meeting.

The Northern Governors’ Wives had met in Kaduna and resolved to make frantic efforts in improving the health service delivery to the people.

According to the communique, the Forum agreed to support Kaduna State , to ensuring the successful hosting of the 16th National Sports Festival scheduled for February 15 2009. Mr. Patrick Yakowa, the festival LOC Chairman and Kaduna State Deputy Governor, had earlier briefed the Forum on the level of preparations toward hosting the games. Newsmen reports that 10 of the governors attended and nine were represented.