Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, the Minister of Science and Technology is attending the 68th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Adelaide, Australia aimed at discussing the latest space developments.
Mr Abdul- Ganiyu Aminu, the Deputy Director of Press in the ministry made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said that the congress with the theme: “Unlocking Imagination, Fostering Innovations and Strengthening Security” would attract all space actors.
The Congress, which started on Sept. 25, will end on Sept. 30.
He said that the minister would deliver a paper on the “Role of Science and Technology and Innovation in shaping future society”.
He said that Onu would also talk on recently launched Science and Technology Road Map, the National Consultative Competitiveness in Raw Materials and Products Development in Nigeria, among others.
“Nigeria may also table for discussion its various initiatives on science, technology and innovation with a view to gaining fresh insights from other countries.
“This national strategy is a fact-based framework designed to harness the potential of the country’s Research and Development (R& D) institutes in partnership with industries and business.
“To fast track and redirect the highway to orderly economic recovery, double digit growth and sustainable development.”
Aminu said that the minister would also attend the 14th Science and Technology Minister’s Round-table in Kyoto, Japan from Oct. 1 to Oct. 3.
“We The forum, which is an annual event since 2004, will attract ministers and science experts worldwide and will exchange views on science technology and innovation trends.
“The forum will also provide a platform to engender global collaboration and synergy in the field of science and technology ideas, insights, experiences on science and technology. “
According to him, research and innovation learning curve of 21st century in developing countries will constitute highlights of the forum.
Aminu said that a new technological concept called “Society 5.0” would be tabled for discussion, adding that it was a concept proposal by Japan of an advanced, futuristic and human-centred society.
“It is a society in which the integration of cyber space and physical space is to be realised by taking advantage of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IOT).
“Others are robotics and big data fields in which Japan had made significant in-road,’’ he said.
He said that Nigeria would tap from the new technologies to achieve a super-smart society of economic growth and greater well being.