Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, Chairman of the Telecom Group, has appealed to the Federal Government to establish a Science, Technology and Innovation Trust Fund to stimulate creativity, deepen innovation, and generate technological spinoffs across Nigeria’s space and science sectors.
Ekuwem, who previously served as Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, made the appeal on Tuesday while delivering remarks at the 4th Adigun Ade Abiodun Public Lecture held at Afe Babalola Hall, University of Lagos.
He noted that pushing the boundaries of knowledge in outer space would serve as a meaningful tribute to the late Dr. Adigun Ade Abiodun. Stressing the importance of self-reliance, he said Nigeria should prioritise the indigenous development, design, construction and launch of satellites to strengthen national capacity.
According to him, investing in homegrown space initiatives would not only build technical expertise but also create employment opportunities for young Nigerians. “A hungry man is an angry man. An idle mind is the devil’s workshop. How about a hungry idle man?” he asked, underscoring the urgency of innovation-driven growth.
Telecom Chairman Stresses Technological Sovereignty
While advocating advancements in space science, Ekuwem maintained that Nigeria must first consolidate its domestic technological foundation. He argued that national independence in politics is unsustainable without technological strength.
“When you think of developed countries, you think of science and technological developments,” he said. “Political sovereignty is balderdash without technological sovereignty.”
The former SSG also called on citizens to embrace and support locally manufactured goods and services. He warned that excessive dependence on imports undermines local industries and exerts pressure on the naira.
“We can learn from the Asians, who learnt from the Europeans,” he advised. “We must not look down on locally manufactured products; practice makes perfect.”
The annual Adigun Ade Abiodun Public Lecture is organised to honour the memory of the late Dr. Abiodun, a trailblazing Nigerian space scientist and United Nations expert who significantly advanced space science in Africa through regional centres and collaborative networks.
The event was chaired by Professor Peter Olufemi Adeniyi, former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, and drew attendance from academics and other dignitaries. In his remarks, Adeniyi encouraged society to emulate leaders such as Dr. Abiodun, who leveraged their positions to promote collective progress rather than personal interest.
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