By 
By Chinedu James
Technology and innovation are cardinal to resolving Nigeria’s security challenges, Nigeria’s Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu has asserted while delivering a lecture with the theme, ‘Cultural Values, Security, Science and Technology: Optimizing the Linkage and Opportunities’ to participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 11 of the Institute of Security Studies (ISS) in Abuja.
According to him, the ethnic diversity of the country has in recent times contributed to the national insecurity resulting in religious crisis, economic tensions, social upheaval and communal conflicts. His words:
However, he stated that the country’s focus on solutions that spring from innovation and technology would considerably help to solve the security crisis.
“The vision, creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of science and technology community are all we need to overcome the challenges arising from our cultural diversity so as to promote national security and build a secure future for our country.
“This will undoubtedly have a positive effect on national security. Science, Engineering, Technology and Innovation will provide the instrument for cultural transformation and maximization of national security benefits for sustainable national development.
The Deputy Director of the ISS, Dr. Abdulwahab Muhammed-Wali, who decried the spread of fake news that has influenced rise in violence and the undermining of national peace, urged participants to play active roles in national progress.
