By Ihechukwu Sunday
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Geoffrey Nnaji, has described creativity and innovations as critical elements that fast-track development across the world.
He stated this on Thursday during the celebration of this year’s World Intellectual Property (WIP) Day.
A statement by the Assistant Chief Information Officer, National Office for Technology acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), Mr. Raymond Ogbu, quoted the Minister as saying that the day, which was set aside by the United Nations to celebrate ingenuity, creativity and innovation was very important to the global economic sustainability, since inventions and innovations were products of critical research.
According to the statement, the Minister said: “It is pertinent to celebrate our inventors, innovators and artists, as well as creators, who have contributed significantly to our country’s socio-economic development,” he stated.
The Minister also stressed that the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) was pivotal to Nigeria as an evolving economy because it fosters innovation, drives economic growth and enriches the country’s cultural development.
“What makes advanced countries tick is their breakthroughs in inventive and innovative activities. So, for developing countries like Nigeria to be recognised as a major player within the IPR ecosystem, we must build the culture of innovation.
“To ensure a rapid development of indigenous Intellectual Property System (IPS), and spur the innovative spirit of the Nigerian researchers, the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), an agency under the supervision of my ministry, established the Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Offices (IPTTOs) in some knowledge establishments in the country.
“The ministry is committed to strengthening the IPS, to make it easier for innovators to protect their works, and through NOTAP, Nigerian inventors and innovators have been assisted in patenting their inventions free,” he stated.
Chief Nnaji, however, stressed that, while the IPRs incentivize innovation, overly restrictive policies could stifle creativity, and impede progress. “It is imperative to foster an environment that promotes both innovation and accessibility to information,” he added.
Also, the acting Director General of NOTAP, Dr. Idoreyin Imiyoho, equally stressed that intellectual property awareness was crucial to knowledge transfer and harnessing of Nigeria’s potential within the knowledge institutions.
In a paper presentation titled, “Intellectual Property Commercialization, Knowledge Transfer and Food Security,” at the 2024 WIP Day, organised by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), Nigeria at the UN House, Abuja, Dr. Imiyoho described IP as the property of the human intellect.
She further stated that IP could be any innovation, commercial, artistic, symbol, logo or design used for commercial purposes. “It could also be the creation of the mind, literary and artistic works belonging to a creator, and could only be transferred or sold with the permission of the innovator.
“NOTAP was established to regulate the inflow of foreign technology into the country, as well as encourage the development of indigenous technologies.
“NOTAP as a regulatory agency is aware of the weak IP culture in the country; so, in order to build a strong intellectual property culture for sustainable economic development, it midwifed the establishment of IPTTOs in some selected knowledge institutions across the country.
“The establishment of IPTTOs has triggered healthy competitions among the knowledge institutions to the point that critical and market-driven research leading to patents has been undertaken,” she said.
She described the WIPO as a global body for intellectual property policy, services, information and cooperation, as well as a special agency of the United Nations, assisting its 193 member states in developing a balanced intellectual property legal framework to meet societal evolving needs.
She noted that in 2000, the WIPO member states designated April 26 every year to mark World Intellectual Property Day, with the aim of increasing general understanding and awareness on intellectual property and its importance to national development.
The acting DG assured the WIPO of the NOTAP’s unwavering support and commitment in ensuring that the culture of intellectual property was inculcated, not only in Nigerian knowledge institutions, but also in the artisans, who have over the years, demonstrated ability in fast-tracking science, technology and innovation development in Nigeria.
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Obi prays for God to grant Soludo greater heights Chuks Eze The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi, has called on the Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo to show humility, gratitude and compassion, following what he described as an ‘unfortunate and bitter’ outburst by the governor. Speaking to journalists at the just-concluded Nigeria Guild of Editors meeting at the NAF Conference Center, Abuja, Obi congratulated Soludo for securing a second tenure and urged him to appreciate God’s mercies by responding to victory with grace rather than resentment. Obi’s remarks came after Soludo provoked controversy during his certificate-of-return ceremony, where he mocked his critics by calling Obi a ‘frustrated politician without a club’ and accused him of damaging the education system in Anambra. “I feel compelled to respond because if I do not, I will be accused of dodging the question,” Obi said, expressing surprise at Soludo’s remarks. “On an occasion meant to celebrate his certificate of return, instead of thanking Almighty God for granting him a second tenure; a moment to demonstrate love and magnanimity, he chose to show bitterness and resentment. It was deeply unfortunate.” Obi clarified his involvement in the recent Anambra election, saying, “I only attended three public events with the Labour Party candidate, strictly where I was invited. At none of these events did I mention anyone by name or meet with traditional rulers, market leaders or any other group to discuss candidates. There was nothing I said to warrant controversy or speculation,” he stressed. Reflecting on the Election Day, Obi recounted how he quietly fulfilled his civic duty, conscious of the weight of responsibility that comes with leadership. “I witnessed irregularities and disruptions that could have easily escalated into chaos,” he said. “When outsiders attempted to cast votes in our community, I stepped in and urged my people to remain calm and allow them to act peacefully. In that moment, I was reminded that integrity must always take precedence over politics. True leadership is measured, not by the contest for power, but by the courage to uphold fairness, restraint and the dignity of our people, even in the most trying circumstances.” Addressing Soludo’s mocking remarks, he used a vivid metaphor from football to clarify his perspective: “On the day of the election, journalists approached me as if I were on the ballot. I reminded them that I served as governor 13 years ago and have since moved on to a higher level in national politics. In football terms, if gubernatorial candidates are in the first division, I am in the Champions League. I ran for Vice President in 2019 and for President in 2023, winning 11 states and Abuja. I play well at that level, and my record speaks for itself.” He also reflected on his age and historic achievements in Anambra State. “In both the old and new Anambra, only Jim Nwobodo and I became governors in our 40s. I was the first to serve a second tenure. I have no personal issue with Governor Soludo. I pray that God grants him even greater heights, if that will inspire him to show humility, compassion and a genuine concern for the people,” he said. He concluded with an appeal, saying, “We must recognise the mercies God grants us. Leadership is not about resentment or bitterness; it is about service, gratitude, and love for our people.”
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