EKSG, NAEC partner on Knowledge Zone Project, sign MoU on nuclear science
The Ekiti State Government has entered into partnership with the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) on peaceful application of nuclear science and technology.
This is in the area of development of medicine, agricultural, and other socio-economic activities within the knowledge zone.
Also, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was on Wednesday signed to this effect by representatives of the state government and key principal officers of NAEC, including its acting Chairman, Prof. Yusuf Ahmed, in Ado -Ekiti.
On the side of the government were, the Secretary to the State Government, Biodun Oyebanji; Commissioner for Investment, Trade and Industries, Muyiwa Olumilua; Director-General, Office of Transformation and Service Delivery, Prof Bolaji Aluko; Special Adviser, Knowledge Zone, Femi Ajope and Special Adviser Governor’s Office Folusho Daramola; among others.
According to the MoU, Ekiti government will receive support from NAEC in the procurement and installation of some sensitive gadgets to support farmers in the area of food preservation and security.
Others are installation of state of the art nuclear medicine and radiotherapy equipment for cancer management, establishment of a Nuclear Information Centre for capacity enhancement and nuclear knowledge expansion.
Other areas include procurement and installation of a multipurpose research reactor for collaboration between research scientists in relevant institutions within the state and for the production of radioisotopes, an ingredient for effective Cancer Management not only in Nigeria but also in West Africa sub-region.
It was reported that Prof. Ahmed explained that the partnership would bring about the realisation of the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology in the development of the Knowledge zone.
The NAEC boss disclosed that the partnership would also bring about the installation of some sensitive technical gadgets that would promote medicine, agriculture, environment and other sub sectors for the development of the economy of the state and the country in general.
He said that NAEC and Ekiti state government had discussed the domestication of radiotherapy equipment through the use of nuclear technology, a development which would make Ekiti the third hub for efficient and effective treatment of cancer and other related diseases.
“Historically, the Ekiti governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has a vision to promote science and technology.
He has invited all agencies of government that have to do with science and technology development and the NAEC is one of the agencies promoting nuclear science and technology.
“It is a peaceful application of nuclear, science and technology in the field of agriculture, medicine, environment, solid minerals and social economic development of the country.
“We have discussed with the state government on how to develop a special technology that has to do with those areas and fields, meaning that there may be coming some equipment, sensitive equipment that would be deployed for development of those technologies,” he added.
Earlier in his welcome address, Special Adviser to the governor on Knowledge Zone Femi Ajepe explained that the partnership would afford Nigerians through the Ekiti Knowledge Zone, to utilise the huge investment opportunities in peaceful application of nuclear science and technology for research and programme development.
