The Cross River State Government today joined the global community in celebrating World Science Day with a vibrant event themed "Trust, Transformation, and Tomorrow: The Science We Need for 2050."
The celebration kicked off with a road walk, followed by insightful talks from prominent figures in the scientific community. The discussions emphasized the critical role of science in shaping a sustainable future and engaging the community in scientific discourse.
In his welcome address, Commissioner for Science and Technology, Prof. Justin Atiang Beshel, represented by Permanent Secretary Dr. Okon Ita, highlighted the day's origins at the 1999 World Conference on Science in Budapest, emphasizing its mission to promote public awareness of science's role in fostering peaceful and sustainable societies. "Today, we celebrate the transformative power of science and its relevance in our everyday lives—from life-saving medical advancements to innovative agricultural practices that feed our growing population," remarked Dr. Ita.
During his keynote address, Secretary to the Government of the State, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, reiterated the importance of a collaborative approach to science that engages all sectors of society. He emphasized that as Cross River State embraces the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, the celebration of World Science Day serves as a testament to the power of knowledge in building a better tomorrow. Amarachi Obed, representing the President of NUGI Technologies, contributed an industry perspective to the discussion, promising to collaborate with the state to achieve technological advancement.
The event featured guest speakers, including renowned figures such as Prof. Simon Ogbeche Odey, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Uni Cross; Prof. Idongesit Eteng, Director of ICT at UNICAL; and former Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Prof. Item Justin Atang. Their contributions sparked insightful conversations about the future of science and technology.
A highlight of the event was a showcase of projects by secondary school science students from across the state, demonstrating the commitment of the Cross River State government, led by Apostle Prince Bassey Edet Otu, to promoting STEM education. Enthusiastic students presented innovative solutions and experiments, impressing attendees with their creativity and knowledge.
Patricia Oli
