Delta State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hon. Dr. Daniel Odinigwe, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to linking innovation with standards as a driver of economic growth.
Speaking at a one-day seminar held in collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) at the Prof. Chike Edozien Secretariat, Asaba, Dr. Odinigwe noted that while innovation fuels new ideas, technologies, and solutions, standards provide the quality, safety, and competitiveness required to sustain growth.
He explained that the Ministry is committed to creating an enabling environment for innovators, entrepreneurs, and SMEs, ensuring that products and services from Delta meet both national and international benchmarks.
The Commissioner encouraged participants to actively engage in the seminar and apply the knowledge gained, stressing that collaboration with SON would position innovation as a key engine of Delta State’s economic transformation.
Delivering a lecture titled “The Role of the Ministry of Science and Technology in Supporting SMEs, Innovators, and Inventors in Delta State,” the Director of Science and Technology Development, Mrs. Nkechi Madu Chukwurah, highlighted initiatives being implemented by the state to nurture innovation. She outlined programmes such as the Technology Incubation Centre in Warri, which has nurtured over 31 enterprises and developed 125 products as of June 2025, as well as the planned establishment of another centre in Asaba.
She also drew attention to the Delta State Innovation Hub, the Women in Tech initiative, and the recently launched 3rd edition of the ICT-Youth Empowerment Programme, which equips young people with digital skills in line with the M.O.R.E Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. According to her, these platforms ensure that innovators and SMEs are equipped not only to create but to thrive in competitive markets
Also speaking at the seminar, the Coordinator of SON in Delta State, Mrs Nnenne Egbo stressed that standards remain vital in ensuring consumer protection and global competitiveness. He explained that SON’s collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology would provide innovators and SMEs with the technical guidance needed to certify their products, thereby expanding opportunities for local producers within and beyond Nigeria.
