The Federal Government has joined other African countries in celebration of the African Day for Technology and Intellectual Property (IP), which is held annually on Sept. 13.
The Director-General (D-G), National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), Dr. DanAzumi Ibrahim, said this on Monday in a statement to commemorate the day.
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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the day has been set aside by the African Union (AU), to commemorate the African Day for Technology and Intellectual Property (IP), in all African states.
Ibrahim said that in realisation of the importance of IP Protection to national development, the Nigerian government joined other African countries in celebrating the day.
He stated that days like this called for renewed commitment towards arousing the latent creativities and inventive spirit of young inventors and innovators.
“IP is one of the ways through which rapid development of a nation can be achieved.
“Promoting the development of indigenous technology will further sensitise and facilitate domestication and development of intellectual property right (IPRs) system in Africa.
“It will reawaken the creative ability of the people in the continent to eradicate poverty and drive sustainable development,’’ he said.
The NOTAP boss noted that nations were no longer valued in terms of their population, geographical landmass or mineral resources, but on the organic mass of knowledge in its citizenry.
He called on young Nigerians to continue to demonstrate high intellect and commitment to the development of National Innovation System (NIS) through their products.
He also added that NOTAP was working assiduously, in collaboration with other stakeholders, to ensure rapid technological development of the nation.
“NOTAP normally celebrates the IP day through technology exhibitions by secondary and vocational schools within and around FCT, young inventors and innovators, as well as the Association of Nigerian Inventors (ANI).
“But the ravaging COVID -19 Pandemic, coupled with advent of Delta Variant, necessitated a shift till next year,” Ibrahim said. (NAN)
