The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology , Chief Uchenna Nnaji, says his ministry’s collaboration with International Human Rights Observatory Africa (IHRO-Africa) will enhance socio-economic and educational development in the county.
Nnaji said this when he received members of IHRO-Africa, led by Amb. Dr Chimbo Obieze, Special Envoy and Country Director of IHRO-Africa, that paid a diplomatic visit to his office in Abuja.
The statement on the diplomatic visit on Friday was released to newsmen in Enugu on Saturday.
The minister said that it was a pleasure to host the diplomatic visit of members of IHRO-Africa, adding: “I am particularly impressed by IHRO-Africa’s dedication to promoting human rights, supporting education and fostering social-economic integration in Africa”.
“Learning about IHRO-Africa’s ongoing initiatives, especially their work in support of the African Charter was both enlightening and inspiring.
“The organization’s impact is commendable and I believe our collaboration can further amplify these efforts,” he said.
Nnaji said that his ministry was eager to explore concrete avenues for collaboration based on “our shared visions”, adding: “Their (IHRO-Africa) insights and expertise will be invaluable in advancing our joint initiatives”.
Earlier, Obieze applauded the minister’s notable achievements and doggedness in using innovation, science and technological platforms to address the challenges of socio-economic development across the federation within his short period in office.
“IHRO-Africa is an international civil society organization registered with its international headquarters in the USA; and its continental headquarters in France, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Kenya.
“We appoint special envoys globally for Diplomatic Missions. IHRO-Africa supports the African Charter which was universally adopted at the OAU meeting of African Heads of State and Government held in Kenya on June 27, 1981.
“Indeed, the Charter lists the rights and duties that should be respected at all times according to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on Dec. 10, 1948,” he said.
According to him, IHRO-Africa is not taking these conventions/charters for granted that is why we deem it necessary to pay Your Excellency this Diplomatic visit to accelerate peace, diplomacy, climate change and to promote science and innovation technology.
“We believe that a collaborative effort with the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology can significantly contribute to the advancement of our shared goals.
“These shared goals are within the 4-point Agenda of IHRO-Africa, which we offer through our Support Children Education Fund (SCEFUND) Technology, which includes: To promote science, technology and climate change control and achieving Africa Union (AU) Agenda 2063.
“To change the narrative of online fraudsters into youths’ technology creative hub for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to use new technology to fight Ponzi Scheme Master (PSM) node.
“Lastly, to develop Innovation, Science and Technology Decentralized Protocol Bond (ISTTPB) through block chain technology for easy access of quality education and empowerment of tech-innovative drive,” he said.
Among members of IHRO-Africa that came for the diplomatic visit included: Amb. Uzoamaka Ezedioranma, Head of Operation IHRO-Africa and Amb. Chinaelo Ogbata-Ejorh, IHRO-Africa’s Special Envoy to South-East on Women Cares, Children Education and Good Governance.
