Stakeholders in the nation’s science, technology and innovation sector are set to hold the inaugural National Conference on Science, Technology and Innovation Communication (STICOMMSLOC) in collaboration with the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja.

The chairman, Local Organization Committee of the conference, Dr. Bosco Okolo-Obi, speaking at a press briefing yesterday at the university premises said the maiden conference with the theme, “Communicating Science, Technology, and Innovation for National Development”, will hold from 21st-23rd October, 2025, at the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja.

He said the conference would bring key stakeholders together to promote researches and policies that are tailored to grow Nigeria’s Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) sector.

According to him, without effective translation of research into policies, products, and public understanding, the knowledge economy that Nigeria aspires to build would remain a distant dream, noting that the conference seeks to address these challenges.

Okolo-Obi said “For the first time, we are bringing together researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, the media, educators, and the public on a single platform to chart a new course. Our focus will be on breaking barriers of technical language, strengthening partnerships, training a new generation of science communicators, and advocating for policies that institutionalize science communication in Nigeria.”

He said the initiative aligns fully with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes economic diversification, innovation-driven growth, human capital development, and inclusive governance where knowledge is translated into wealth, and innovation creates opportunities for every citizen.

In his welcome remarks, President, African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Professor Azikiwe Peter Onwualu said the institution is proud to be the host of the conference, adding that the school has an innovation hub where work is ongoing to commercialize its recent outputs. The school secured 10 patents in the last one year.

Also speaking, a member of the Local Organizing Committee, and Director Information, New Media and Protocol at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Olusegun Ayeoyenikan said there is need for citizens to promote the culture of STI as it is key to Nigeria’s industrial development.

“This is a milestone when it comes to building the consciousness to be patriotic because what we have is basically the lack of culture for science, technology and innovation”, he said while calling on all stakeholders to strive to push the process.

The LOC also urged the media to play a pivotal role in driving the initiative, urging journalists to own the event which will be held annually to improve Nigeria’s push for sustainability in STI.

The National Coordinator of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, Abdulhamid Umar, has showered glowing commendation on Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, for his exceptional leadership and commitment to environmental restoration and sustainable development through the ACReSAL project.

During a courtesy visit to the Governor in his office, Umar praised Inuwa Yahaya for not only accelerating implementation in his state but also positioning Gombe as a model for other Northern states and subnational governments across the country.

He noted that the approach of Gombe State government to environmental sustainability, particularly in land restoration, water management and climate resilience, deserves replication across Nigeria.

“We are truly impressed with the quality and speed of work being executed in Gombe State under the ACReSAL Project. You are not just leading in Gombe, but driving implementation across the entire Northern region. This is the kind of political will we’ve always advocated for. We’ll have to bring the Federal Government and other subnationals to Gombe to see the magic happening here”.

The NPC also expressed appreciation for the Governor’s continuous support and strategic partnership, which he said have enabled the smooth and impactful rollout of ACReSAL projects in Gombe state.

In his response, Governor Inuwa Yahaya assured the ACReSAL National Coordinator of his continued commitment to environmental sustainability.

“We’re up and doing to put life back into our land and ensure that our people, who are mostly farmers can fully enjoy the benefits of God-endowed natural resources,” the Governor said.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya, who is also the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, said the success of ACReSAL in Gombe is predicated on value of focused leadership and effective partnership, adding that he would invite the National Coordinator to address the NSGF during one of its upcoming meetings.

“Your passion and technical leadership are clear. We need other governors to hear directly from you,” the said.

He commended the ACReSAL team for their hands-on approach, pledging that Gombe will continue to lead by example in tackling desertification, land degradation and other climate-related challenges facing the state and the Northern region.

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has extolled the virtues of the outgoing state Head of Service, Mrs Biobelemoye Charles-Onyema, saying she served meritoriously.

Speaking during the weekly state executive council meeting in Government House, Yenagoa, Governor Diri said Mrs Charles-Onyema exemplary dedication was a lesson for all those in service, saying those who serve well will be promoted by God.

His Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted him as saying that even when it seemed nobody was watching, those in service must ensure that they do what was right at all times as service without blemish brings reward.

Stating that the departing Head of Service will be missed, Diri urged civil servants to put in their best and add value to the system.

He said: “In anything you do, if human beings do not watch you, somebody else is watching, and that is God. If you do it well, He will always promote you by using men and women.

“We have heard her story and it should be an inspiration to all of us that when you serve well, you will be promoted.”

In her remarks, Mrs. Biobelemoye Charles-Onyema, said she served in the civil service for over 20 years and would be retiring as she clocks 60 years.

She said the service was not a dumping ground but a place of professionalism where people can grow.

She expressed gratitude to Governor Diri for retaining her as Head of Service after her appointment by his predecessor, saying she had a great time serving the government.

She urged civil servants to work as a team to acheive success and always uphold the ethics of the service.

Charles-Onyema expressed optimism that her successor would continue from where she stopped and take the service to greater heights.

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has said his administration’s investment in the education sector has yielded positive results.

According to a press release on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, Governor Diri stated this on Wednesday during the 171st State Executive Council meeting in Government House, Yenagoa, when he received the accreditation reports of various programmes from the heads of state-owned tertiary Institutions.

The Bayelsa governor said the government’s huge investment in the sector was informed by his conviction that education was the bedrock of development as no society can develop beyond its level of education.

He noted that accreditation of the programmes was a testament to the fact that the administration was committed to uplifting the sector and promised to keep investing in education.

He recalled that there were issues of non-accreditation of programmes in tertiary institutions in the state when he assumed office and that since 2020, the government had invested over N20 billion in its drive to correct the anomaly.

The state’s helmsman acknowledged that the Niger Delta University (NDU) alone had contributed significantly to the human capital development of the state, stressing that most graduates in the civil service today were products of the institution.

He stressed the primacy of education among the young generation and urged the youths to shun cultism and all forms of vices, saying they had no reward.

His words: “The accreditation reports attest to the fact that we are working together so that our investments would not fail us. We have always said the priority of our administration was education and we will continue to invest in it as it is the pivot of societal development. No society can develop beyond its level of education.

“We are happy with the reports, which show that our investment of billions in the sector was not in vain. We met issues of accreditation when we came on board but we battled all of that. We have spent over N20 billion in ensuring that programmes in our institutions get accredited. We are doing this not only for ourselves but for generations yet unborn.”

Presenting the accreditation report of the institutions, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Gentle Emelah, said since 2022, the NDU has had a total of 116 programmes accredited while the Isaac Jasper Boro College of Education, which has been affiliated to NDU, has had 10 of its programmes also accredited.

Emelah said seven programmes were accredited at the Bayelsa Medical University, four of which were full while three got interim accreditation.

Also, he said the Bayelsa State Polytechnic, which got 16 of its programmes accredited, now offers more Higher National Diploma programmes than National Diploma programmes.