…Plans roadshow to showcase initiatives
-By Saidu Abubakar
Considering that the university community represents a key constituency in the implementation of Research and Development initiatives, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote has revealed that he will be leading his team to visit some Universities in the country towards ensuring the success of R&D.
This, the Valuechain reports, may not be unconnected with the Board’s aim to further widen its scope.
Engr. Wabote made the revellation Thursday in Yenagoa while delivering an opening remark at the NCDMB’s Second R&D Fair and Conference.
“We are in the era the 4th Industrial Revolution with cloud computing, Internet of Things, Robotics, Big Data, Artificial Intelligent and many more being the hallmark of the current age”
He said “We are also ready to embark on a roadshow to showcase the various initiatives to the various stakeholder groups.
“Although COVID-19 affected us in the deployment of our initiatives, we have used the delay period to perfect the toolkit we will deploy to bring Research and Development to the required level in the Nigerian oil and gas industry,” he added.
The Executive Secretary’s remark focused on why NCDMB is devoting resources and time to Research and Development, dwelling on the reasons as: “first is that Research and Development is pivotal to the growth and development of any nation, and I dare say to the evolution of mankind. Right from the days of the cave men to the current age of global connectivity, Research and Development always play crucial role in opening up new chapters of modern life.”
He recalled that Research and Development led to the 1st Industrial Revolution in the 18th century with the emergence of the steam engines. The discovery of electricity and its application in mass production in the 19th century marked the era of the 2nd Industrial Revolution. The 20th century witnessed the era of the internet with the world wide web being the vogue of the 3rd Industrial Revolution.
“We are in the era the 4th Industrial Revolution with cloud computing, Internet of Things, Robotics, Big Data, Artificial Intelligent and many more being the hallmark of the current age.
“Once upon a time, it would have been unthinkable that I would be standing here in Yenagoa while conference participants hear and see me live by clicking a link on their devices. Such capabilities were associated with witches and wizards and it could only happen under the cover of darkness. These days, we are more or less taking such capability for granted.
“The 4th Industrial Revolution has made it possible to order for a private jet from your handphone or see who is at the door of your home in Lagos while you are on a business trip to Abuja. All these are made possible via Research and Development and we have not seen the end of it. There will be more Industrial Revolutions down the line and the question is why are we not at the forefront of the discoveries or innovate to adapt existing technologies to our needs?
Continuing, Engr Wabote told the audience that analysis of global practices of Research and Development revealed that the combined R&D spend of just five countries makes up 63.5% of the entire global R&D spend. “These five countries, namely USA, China, Japan, Germany, and India were also observed to have accounted for over 50% of the global Gross Domestic Products.
He inferred that Africa, on the other hand, accounted for less than one per cent (1%) of the global R&D spend while its GDP is only 3% of the global GDP. “You will agree with me that there is a nexus between the spend on Research and Development and economic prosperity.”
Wabote also enthused that “for those of you that are coming to the Bayelsa and the Nigerian Content Tower for the first time, I welcome you specially to Bayelsa, the Glory of All Land. As you can see, Bayelsa is a very beautiful and peaceful place. I also welcome you to our magnificent Nigerian Content Tower and our 1,000-seater NCDMB Conference Center.
While appreciating those who joinined the event virtually, “let me seize this opportunity to thank the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva and the distinguished members of the Board’s Governing Council, for their support and approval leading to the approval of some of the initiatives that will be launched today by the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.
He pointed out that he looks forward to a fruitful deliberations and exciting technology showcase that will excite potential investors and other participants at the event.
Valuechain reports that the theme of this year’s Fair and Conference was “Creating Sustainable Collaboration in Research and Development for the Energy Sector”.