Abuja (National Conference Report) – The National Conference sitting in Abuja has advocated for the introduction of necessary legal frameworks to ensure that activities of social media operators are properly guided and streamlined to avoid abuse.
The Conference made the decision while adopting the recommendations of the Committee on Science, Technology and Development headed by Daniel Maddo with Raymond Dokpesi as Deputy Chairman. The Conference also decided that government should make laws to regulate the operations of cyber cafes for the protection of children and under-aged users. It was also resolved that in order to elevate scientific and technological development in Nigeria, a National Science and Technology Fund should be established by the Federal Government for utilization in science, technology and innovation activities.
Delegates to the Conference further suggested the setting up of viable military industrial complex as obtains in advanced countries of the world to contribute to the development of science and technology in Nigeria. In order to empower all registered professional bodies in the building industry to perform their expected roles, the delegates called on the National Assembly to urgently pass into law the National Building Code. They also agreed on the establishment of an Abuja National Museum of Science and History to encourage the younger generations to engage in the study of science as well as encourage research among academics.
Also on Monday June 16, 2014, the Committee on Agriculture headed by Umaru Muhamad Hadeija with Ifeoma Idigbe as Deputy presented its report to the Conference in session. The Committee was mandated to deliberate on the challenges confronting agricultural development in Nigeria and chart the best and most acceptable ways for surmounting such challenges in the interest of Nigeria. It was also tasked with the review of reports and other working documents from previous conferences and memoranda from delegates and the public; identifying the constitutional, political, economic, social and legal issues that are pertinent to the future of the country.
The Committee stated that majority of Nigerians are among the poorest in the world because the economy does not create enough decent jobs through manufacturing, value addition, art and craft as well as tourism. Tear-filled tributes were poured out by delegates as they formally received the news of the death of the former Minister of Information and member of the Conference, Dora Nkem Akunyili (Professor). Also announced at the Conference was the demise of the Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, who was said to have been the longest ruler, who served as Emir of Kano. They observed that he was the man who ensured peaceful commercial businesses by people of diverse ethnic groups in the ancient city of Kano. The Conference Deputy Chairman and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bolaji Akinyemi (Professor), who announced Akunyili’s death described her as a fighter and very patriotic Nigerian, who fought to the very end.
Johnson Oludeinde Oluata in a note he sent to the chairman of the Conference and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Idris Kutigi said that he was emotionally touched when he read about the death of Dora Akunyili (Professor).
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate