Niger Delta
Don Blames Nation’s Woes On Research Aparthy
A University lecturer, Prof Anietie Ettee, has called on the Federal Government to sponsor research as a means to move the country away from just being a consumer economy to a production one.
Ette of the University of Uyo made the call in Uyo at the 30th Inaugural Lecture of the university, entitled: “Materials Processing: The Art, The Science and You. “
The Professor of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering said that until the nation realised the importance that research played in the development of countries, attaining the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) would be a mirage.
According to him, the government should therefore take urgent steps to sponsor, support and encourage research in all forms.
Ette advised the government to also support indigenous research, especially in areas that impacted on local technology.
He noted that until the country realised the enormous human resources it had as potential creators of wealth, which needed to be managed to bring the best from them, it risked losing much of its wealth.
“We must become research-oriented to move from a consumer economy to a production economy. We must study and know indigenous technology for the development of this country.
“The level of technology of any country determines where it stands. Technology creates wealth, venture into technology and be counted.
“Let government sponsor research. Nigeria does not know the human resources it has.
“With the support of the World Bank, government should support indigenous research on the area that impacts on our environment. “
Ette maintained that over-dependence on oil had made the country think less of other resources.
Resources like agricultural resources; mining and mineral resources; synthetic or man made resources; industrial waste or by-products; and marine resources had been ignored, he lamented.
The professor explained that the problems with most local technologists, especially when it came to material unit processing, were size, separation, concentration, and refining processes.
Ette said that unless accurate measurement was obtained, processing would lead to error which could be fatal.
He maintained that if the right policies were properly implemented towards materials processing, that would help the government realise national security amid social and economic stability.
The don said the lecture was to propose to government the need to enact appropriate laws or policies that would encourage industries to develop and use local raw materials.
“Government is therefore called upon to note that technology is an instrument of change in the society.
“The level of technology utilisation in a nation is the measurement of economic independence and national security.
“Technology creates wealth, power and confidence; when engineering technology is utilised, it is protected from infringement,” Ette said.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.
The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.