It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to this propitious occasion of the commissioning of the Acquisition and renovated FIIRO South West Zonal office located in this great city of Akure, Ondo State. It is important to state that productivity of personnel is mostly tie to befitting work environment, which is crucial to development. We were formerly located at the Federal Secretariat Complex, Akure, and we want to sincerely appreciate the Federal Government, the Government and Good People of Ondo State, for the gesture of accommodating us all these years. The commissioning of this edifice is a special one as the South West Zonal office is being presented with the state-of-the-art, functional, and befitting workplace that would spur scientific revolution in this great region of the nation.
- Invited Guest, Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to particularly welcome the present day father of Innovation in Nigeria, the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, whose support and commitment led to the provision of this edifice that would engender and fast-track socio-economic development of our nation. It is a fact that the economy of this nation is begging for the utilization of the Innovation, Science and Technology apparatus to enable its transition from consumption to production. I would like to welcome all other dignitaries here present, Directors of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, my workaholic Management and staff of FIIRO, who made this programme a success.
- It is pertinent to inform that FIIRO has Zonal Offices in the Six Geopolitical Zones of the country, with the sole aim of carrying R&D activities to the grass root level so as to utilize all the available raw materials across the country. Since the inception of these zonal offices, it is important to state that a lot have been achieved in the development of products and technologies that are very important in our quest to be recognized as one of the developed nations of the world, driven by innovation.
- Ladies and Gentlemen, you will agree with me that provision of befitting office space is imperative in the conduct of Business Meetings, Researches, Administration and also serves as an area for employees to work professionally with good image and making organizations look more credible in the eyes of the public. Its further helps organizations build strong brand presence for ease of identification by customers, which could offer unique blend of flexibility, comfort, and modern design that is perfect for customers and organizations. It is with sincerity of purpose that this building was Acquired and renovated in 2023, and today we are witnessing its commissioning. I like to inform you that plans are concluded to commission similar Zonal Offices of the Institute in Enugu, Enugu State and Yola, Adamawa State, respectively.
- At this juncture, it is worthy to note that since the inception of the Agency in 1953, we are vigorously pursuing our vision and mission statements which are “to be the foremost Centre for Science and Technology-based Research and Development for the industrialization and socio-economic advancement of the nation and conduct and promote market-driven research and development (R&D) for the industrialization and socio-economic development of the country”, respectively, It is noteworthy of mention that we have developed over two hundred and fifty (250) products, goods and services through the efforts of the dedicated and diligent Staff of the Institute in the last few years.
- It is with great pleasure and sense of responsibility to inform you that this project was achieved based on the love, dedication, support and commitment of the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji towards the regeneration of the Nigerian Science and Technology sector, as well as the attention given by the Federal Government of Nigeria in encouraging and supporting application of science and technology tools in tackling technological challenges bedeviling the country.
- On this note, I thank the Contractors, Niphemy Solutions Ltd, who did justice to this renovation work and my able and dependable team of Engineers from FIIRO, who worked tirelessly in providing supervisory role during the renovation process. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, other invited Guests, I wish to sincerely thank you for gracing this occasion and may the Lord Almighty bless you.
- Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, we would like to on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Innovation, Science and Technology, Mrs Esuabana Nko Asanye, my dedicated, diligent and responsive team from FIIRO, welcome you to this memorable occasion.
Thanks and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria
DR. (MRS.) JUMMAI A. TUTUWA
DIRECTOR-GENERAL/CEO, FIIRO