The Ministry of Science and Technology in Nigeria has developed diagnostic processes, treatments, and drugs for some of the most common diseases. The country has a considerable number of sickle cell disease patients, and the ministry has developed anti-sickling products from plants that reduce the number of attacks common in sickle cell anemia.
Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora, the Minister of Science and Technology, disclosed this while addressing reporters at the State House briefing organised by the Presidential Communications Team at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He highlighted the ministry’s achievements in the areas of food processing and fabrications of equipment for boosting food production.
For hypertensive patients, Dr Mamora said his ministry has also developed anti-hypertensive drinks from local herbs and materials. There is good news for those who cannot afford Lovastatin, an expensive drug that reduces cholesterol. The minister confirmed that the drug has been developed from an oyster mushroom.
Dr Mamora also noted that the ministry had made immense progress in identifying common diseases like tuberculosis, ebola, and hepatitis through molecular diagnostic laboratories. He revealed that the ministry’s agencies had created methods for identifying or making a diagnosis, which was important in the management of patients.
In the agriculture sector, Dr Mamora said that the population of Nigeria is estimated to rise to about 350 million by 2050. Therefore, food production is critical, and the ministry is focusing on improving food output to attain food security through the production of industrial raw materials.
The ministry has made enormous strides in boosting agricultural programmes by developing improved seeds and seedlings distributed to farmers. Farmers have access to improved varieties of cowpea, rice, ginger, banana, plantain, cassava, and sugar.
According to Dr Mamora, the ministry’s focus on agriculture has reduced post-harvest losses and developed seeds that are resistant to pests and flooding. The ministry has also produced equipment for processing food and preserving raw materials.
In conclusion, the Minister stated that his ministry had done an outstanding job in research and innovation in education, defense and security, capacity building, space, energy, and power, manufacturing, and businesses, among other areas.
Nigerians can look forward to more exciting innovations from the Ministry of Science and Technology in the future.
