A former Commissioner for Works in Ondo State, Eng. Gboye Adegbenro, has stated that the earlier leaders began to look inward and explore indigenous technology and expertise in all fields to salvage the nation’s economy from total collapse the better for the country. Adegbenro, Managing Director, AGE Infrastructure Limited, Lagos Nigeria, stated this while delivering a keynote address at the 2023 Annual Convention and Lecture of the Federal University of Technology Akure, Alumni Association Worldwide. The lecture with the title, “Roles of Technology in the Face of Economic Challenges,” was held on Wednesday 15th Nov 2023.
Engineer Adegbenro defined Technology as device(s), which could be in hard or soft form that are designed to help do some things like humans at a higher speed than humans with humans manipulating them. He said the truth that is now common to all is the economic reality of the polity, witnessing low purchasing power, poor power supply, distance from useful industrialization policy, little or no capacity to invest, poor road, rail and infrastructure, poor state of security and a lot more.
He said in spite of the many challenges bedeviling it, Nigeria’s situation as a nation is not as hopeless as it is often painted. He said modern Technology on accounts of its advanced nature provides so many possibilities and opportunities to surmount the challenges facing Nigeria as a country. According to him all advanced economies in the world are driven by technology. According to him, the Agricultural sector evolved with the introduction of mechanized and commercial farming, storage and processing of farm produce among others have helped increase the profile of farmers. He also stated that in the field of medicine, humanity has advanced the frontiers of knowledge and application of new discoveries in technology to be able to accurately diagnose and operate on ailments that were hitherto considered no go areas.
He said the leadership in Nigeria should look inward and tap from the very rich potentials of the Nigerian youths and use its God given resources to engender a homegrown technological revolution that will drive the country’s holistic development. He said the solution to the rejuvenation of the country’s economy lies in the hands of Nigerians and the leadership of the country and technology developed in the country can play a vital role in this process.
In her remark the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji, commended the Alumni association for selecting a very apt topic at such a crucial time in the country. She said the roles of Technological advancement in any society cannot be over emphasized by any given standard. Prof Oladiji said for Nigeria and Africa to reach its full potential, an industrial revolution must precede it.
The Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, who was represented by the Special Adviser on Education DR (Mrs.) Wunmi Ilawole, extended his sincere appreciation to FUTA Alumnus for organizing such an impactful event. He said FUTA has a longstanding reputation for producing exceptional graduates who have gone to make extraordinary contributions in various fields. He said FUTA Alumni with their drive and passion are at the forefront of this technological revolution, utilizing their knowledge and skills to address economic challenges. He expressed his utmost pride in FUTA Alumni Association and its members. He said their dedication to advancing technology and emerging innovation is exemplary.
In his welcome address the President, FUTA Alumni worldwide, Eng. Adeyemi Bello, thanked all the participants that travelled from all over the country to be part of the annual convention. He also thanked the University management for always being a welcoming host no matter how short the notice was.
