Telecom Group Chairman Asks FG to Establish Science, Technology, Innovation Trust Fund

By Daniel Nnamani and Doreen Austins

Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, chairman of the Telecom Group, has called on the Federal Government to establish Science, Technology, and Innovation Trust Fund to drive creativity, innovation, and technological spinoffs in Nigeria’s space and science sectors.

Ekuwem, a former secretary to the Akwa Ibom State government, made the call on Tuesday at the 4th Adigun Ade Abiodun Public Lecture held at Afe Babalola Hall, University of Lagos.

He said advancing the frontiers of knowledge in outer space would be a fitting tribute to the late Dr. Adigun Ade Abiodun.

According to him, Nigeria must prioritise the indigenous development, design, construction, and launch of satellites.

He argued that such initiatives would expand local expertise and 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, stressing the urgency of investing in innovation-driven growth.

While urging progress in space science, Ekuwem emphasised the need to first strengthen Nigeria’s domestic technological capacity.

He maintained that political sovereignty cannot stand without technological independence.

“When you think of developed countries, you think of science and technological developments,” he said.

“Political sovereignty is balderdash without technological sovereignty.”

The ex-SSG encouraged Nigerians to support locally produced goods and services.

Overdependence on imports, he warned, weakens domestic industries and puts 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 Adigun Ade Abiodun Public Lecture is an annual event organised in honour of the late Dr. Abiodun, a pioneering Nigerian space scientist and United Nations expert who played a key role in advancing space science in Africa through regional centres and collaborative networks.

Professor Peter Olufemi Adeniyi, former vice-chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, chaired the event. Several academics and dignitaries attended.

In his remarks, Adeniyi urged society to emulate leaders like Dr. Abiodun, who used their positions to advance collective progress rather than personal gain.