FG Gives Cash Grants To 56 Innovators

The federal government yesterday in Abuja encouraged 56 inventors and innovators from the six geopolitical zones of the country with cash grants to promote and fine-tune their various projects.
Presenting them with cheques, minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, the chairman of the presidential standing committee on inventions and innovations (PSCII) said the scheme, which was designed by the federal government in October 2005, will encourage and promote inventions and innovations in science and technology in the informal sector of the country.
The minister said the aim of the scheme was conceived to help stimulate the interest of Nigerians to use science, technology and innovation for national development, whereby grants will be given out to local inventors to enable them improve and mass-produce their inventions for use in Nigeria as well as for exports to the International market.
He further stated that, since the inception of the programme, 188 Nigerians across the six geo- political zones have benefitted after satisfying the selection process, after the ministry placed adverts in 2 Nigerian newspapers in September, 2015 adding that over 400 inventors and entrepreneurs were thoroughly scrutinized and authenticated by the committee.
According to the minister, the after careful authentication process, the committee selected 56 Nigerian inventors and entrepreneurs to become beneficiaries of the Give- back programme under the federal ministry  of Science and Technology.
He implored the beneficiaries that the PSCII funds is given to them to empower and improve them for mass production and commercialization as well as registration of their products for patency.
He reiterated governments’ commitment at ensuring that the inventors’ success will lead to the development of Small Enterprises, which will in turn enhance job and wealth creation in Nigeria.
He intimated Nigerians that history is made as the federal ministry of Science and Technology is disbursing the highest amount of grants at a single event.
He expressed optimism that the level of funding will improve, when the National Research and Innovation Council (NRIC) is fully established and the National Research and Innovation Fund (NRIF) becomes operational.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, the CEO of Nature’s works International Research Institute, Dr. Grace Martins, expressed their appreciation to the federal government for the support in developing research and innovation in the country.