OghenevwedeOhwovoriole in Abuja
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Professor Geoffrey Nnaji, told patent right owners that the county could only derive maximum benefits from patents when they translate into products or services for economic growth.
Nnaji spoke on Monday in Abuja during the official presentation of patent certificates to researchers and inventors, facilitated by the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP).
That was as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) disclosed that five corps members serving in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had received a total cash grant of N3.2 million from Activate Success International Foundation (ASIF).
While congratulating the recipients, the minister said Nigeria will only benefit maximally from patents when they translated to products or services that will propel economic growth.
He stated, “Let me also congratulate the recipients of these certificates facilitated by NOTAP. I equally wish to emphasise that this is just the first step in reaping the economic benefit of your inventions. The nation can only derive maximum benefit from your efforts if your patents translate into products/services for economic growth.”
Nnaji said since 2010 NOTAP had secured 340 patents for indigenous inventors and researchers.
He stated, “I am reliably informed that from 2010 to date, NOTAP has been able to secure about 340 patent certificates for inventors and researchers of tertiary and research institutes and individuals.
“Intellectual property in the form of technological innovation has today become the basis of international power structure. The speedy industrialisation of the country and its economic growth depend largely on the efforts of our researchers.”
Director-General of NOTAP, Dr. ObiageliAmadiobi, in her welcome address, explained why the agency intervened in helping Nigerian investors and researchers to secure patents.
Amadiobi said, “We recognise that patents are vital tools in the journey of innovation. They protect the rights of inventors, encourage further creativity, and foster a culture of technology-driven solutions.
“However, we also understand that innovation does not end with securing a patent. It is merely the first step in a larger process that requires sustained support, collaboration, and commercialisation.
“Our intervention in this space is driven by a clear purpose; to reduce the financial burden on academicians and researchers so they can focus on the essential tasks of research and innovation.
“We recognise that the process of securing intellectual property rights can be costly and complex, and this often poses a significant challenge for many inventors, especially within the academic community.”
Meanwhile, NYSC disclosed in a press release signed by its acting Director, Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, that five corps members serving in the FCT received N3.2 million cash grant.
The statement read, “The Director-General of National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed, has said his administration would continue to partner with stakeholders that are ready to empower corps members towards self-employment.
“He said that as stated in his five-point policy thrust, his administration would leave no stone unturned in reducing the number of unemployed graduate youths in the country.”
The director-general was said to have spoken when the five corps members received business grant from the founder of Activate Success International Foundation, Mrs. Love Uloko, at the NYSC national headquarters, in Abuja.
“The corps beneficiaries are: Enwemeka Blessing FC/24A/5897, Abdumalik Ibrahim FC/24A/6157, AkandeOlaitan Sunday FC/24B/3856, Blessing IjeomaOmachi FC/24B/5031 and Emmanuel Ali FC/24B/0603,” the statement said.
While the first three received N750,000 each, the last two received N500,00 each.
“Their business ideas revolved round fashion, food and confectionaries, horticulture, among others,” the statement explained
Uloko said the beneficiaries were selected through a rigorous, transparent and merit-based process, adding that they have demonstrated creativity, resilience, and a clear vision for the future with good potential.
She stated, “As of today, we have supported 53 corps members through this initiative. We are investing in dreams, nurturing potential and sowing seeds of success that will flourish for years to come.
“For over seven years, Activate Success International Foundation has partnered with the NYSC to bring transformative opportunities to corps members across the country to pursue their gifts, discover their talents and build purposeful lives.
“Through this programme, we are creating a ripple effect of growth and innovation by building a generation of self-reliant leaders who are equipped to contribute meaningfully to the society.”
Uloko appreciated the NYSC director-general and his management team for their unwavering partnership and dedication towards empowering Nigerian youths.
