The minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu has praised the Nigerian Army for demonstrating excellence in research and innovations.
Dr Onu was speaking on Wednesday while inspecting some combat and support equipment showcased by the Nigerian Army at the ongoing Abuja International Trade Fair.
Dr Onu said; ”I am overwhelmed by what I have seen today because it gives me so much hope for our dear nation.
”For too long we have depended on other countries to meet our basic needs but with all these, we can no longer do so.”
He emphasized that one area that self reliance is critical is in national security which the Nigerian Army has consistently demonstrated
Dr Onu said, “I am very happy to join the Nigerian Army to celebrate excellence. I am overwhelmed with what I have seen. What I have seen today gives me so much hope for future.
”For too long we have depended on other countries to meet our basic needs but with all these, we can no longer do so. We can only improve, we can’t degenerate.
“The federal ministry of science & tech will collaborate and provide all necessary support to the army in this wonderful, local research efforts.
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“We are so proud of our men and women in uniform. Yes we urge every Nigerian to be patriotic but you (Army, our men in uniform) have gone one step higher to put your life on the line for the nation. So every Nigerian must support our men in uniform’.
In his remarks, Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TY Buratai restated the commitment of the Nigerian Army in the pursuit of research based technological advancement in its mandate of defending the territorial integrity of the nation.
He praised the team of engineers who manufactured the products for their resilience and innovations without any foreign help.
”This I say lays a solid foundation for future, consolidated on local production of military hardware. Similarly it will reduce our dependence on importation of defence logistics.
”The sustenance of local capacity for the production of both lethal and non-lethal military hardware rest solidly on quality manpower.” He added.
Items displayed at the fair include; light artillery and infantry patrol vehicles, borehole drilling, machines, Fuel less generator, Mines Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles as well as uniforms and boots all locally produced by the Command Engineering Depot in collaboration with Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria.
The event was attended by Principal Staff Officers, senior military and paramilitary officers as well as the business community and members of the National Assembly.
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