The new Commissioner for Science and Technology in Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Elizabeth Obot, has charged staff of the ministry to explore new ideas and innovations that would help to position Akwa Ibom State in the science and technology global market.

The commissioner, who gave the advice in Uyo, while addressing the staff of the ministry shortly after assuming duty, noted that for science and technology to strive, and for the state to compete favourably in the global economy, there was need for multi-sectoral involvement in tackling various challenges affecting the development of science and technology in the state.

Dr. Obot stressed that the “21st century world cannot succeed without science and technology, since everything revolves round the process.” She promised to do her best to develop science and technology, and solicited for maximum cooperation from the staff, to achieve the purpose for which the ministry was established.

Earlier, the permanent secretary in the ministry, Dr. Nestor Udoh, described the new commissioner as an “intelligent and hard working medical practitioner, capable of repositioning the ministry to its rightful position.”

Dr. Udoh stated that since the resignation of the immediate past commissioner to contest for the Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency seat, the onus of piloting the affairs of the ministry rested on his shoulders.

Within the period, he continued, he was able to provide 150 sets of computer for the ICT academy in the ministry, in addition to undertaking the refurbishing and repainting of the entire office blocks “even with the lean resources.”

The permanent secretary also informed the commissioner that the ICT academy of the ministry, had been approved as one of JAMB’s centres in Uyo, the state capital.

Dr. Udoh, however expressed the hope that “with her wealth of experience, the ministry would witness a positive turnaround for a better future, to meet the state government’s and citizens’ expectations.”

News Express reports that the new commissioner was later conducted round the various departments and offices by the permanent secretary.

Update news