In commemoration of the Diamond Jubilee of Nigeria`s Independence, the Federal Government of Nigeria has gifted awards and cash prizes to winners of the diamond innovation challenge who were distinct in innovation and creativity.
Minister of Information and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami while speaking in Abuja on Tuesday at the presentation of the Nigeria at 60 challenge award ceremony noted that the federal government readily aligns with the creativity and innovation of her own citizens, thus the need to promote such ideals.
“Nigerians are highly innovative, and they a very creative mind, it is because of our quest to promote that creativity and innovation we allow our citizen to come up with slogan, images and poem at the initial stage
“This is because it is better to identify with our own innovations and creativity than just to allow one team to come up with it on our behalf.”
According to the Minister, the challenge was borne out of President Muhammadu Buhari`s idea at the inter-ministerial level to promote innovation and creativity among Nigerians to celebrate the independence day.
The Minister however encouraged the winners of the innovation challenge not to quit in their quest for more creativity and innovation but also encouraged them to continue to improve on what they have achieved so far.
“We are here now to reward them in our own way, but we are most appreciative of their participation, contribution and we encourage them to continue to improve on what they have achieved so far, when you attain success, which is very important, it should be the beginning and not the end.”
So on behalf of FGN, most importantly, my boss, President Muhammadu Buhari, our inter-ministerial committee, our diamond challenge and innovation committee, I want to use this opportunity to thank you all for witnessing this event and also to encourage the winners to do more in the future and I hope we will have a very successful 60th anniversary.
Meanwhile, the Director- General, Nigeria Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi stated that the diamond Innovation challenge is the first of its kind in Nigeria harnessing digital engagement to ensure its success despite the covid- 19 pandemic.
One of the award recipients, Mr Damilare expressed appreciation for the opportunity and transparent selection team and process.
“We started gathering our materials within a week, though a long process but we thank God that we got to this point, getting this has lifted our spirit, it shows that Nigeria is working and for the for the first time I never believed this selection could be like this, good work speaks and I encourage my fellow youth not to relent in their good works.
“Initially, we did not believe this real, so we put on our efforts and at the end of the day we were able to achieve by team work, we realize now that one should not give up on the good deed, because one day it will definitely pa, we grateful to Nigeria and we wish all, a happy independence day.”