News: Jonathan Promises More Jobs for Youths Through Research, Technology

President Goodluck Jonathan said on Tuesday in Lagos that his administration was determined to create more jobs for youths through research and technology.

Jonathan made the assertion in his speech at the Technology and Investment Week organised by the Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO), Oshodi, Lagos State.

He was represented at the occasion by Vice President Namadi Sambo. “The effort of FIIRO is recognised in the development of research and development of local technology output in food and industrial products.

“The institute cannot be pushed aside in the development of up to 25 different cassava products for food and industrial development, especially the much celebrated cassava bread.”

“I am particularly happy that Nigerians have come to appreciate the 20 percent inclusion of cassava flour in bread making.”

“We will look positively to the rehabilitation and expansion of the laboratories within this complex in order to boost the output having seen that there is enough land for that,” he said.

The president also urged graduates seeking employment and potential investors to take advantage of the over 250 researches and development outputs of FIIRO to create jobs and wealth.

He also urged development banks and partners such as the Bank of Industry (BoI), Bank of Agriculture (BoA) and the World Bank to collaborate with the institute to assist investors with loans.

He said the Federal Government would continue to work with FIIRO to increase the number of trained entrepreneurs and also create an enabling environment for their businesses to thrive.

Also speaking at the event, Olusegun Aganga, the minister of trade and investment, said the ministry was planning to develop no fewer than 25 industrial parks to boost investment.

He said the ministry would collaborate with the institute to commercialise their research results.

He urged private investors and manufacturers to patronise research institutes to make use of their locally-sourced products for manufacturing.

Source: Business Day