LASU Centre of Excellence for Sargassum Research shines at Science, Technology, Innovation Expo, Abuja 2023

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Distinguished Senator, Olorunimbe Mamora has commended the Lagos State University for embarking on a cutting edge research that has resulted in breakthroughs and Innovations that is capable of empowering and touching lives positively. He said, "We are ready to give you (LASU) all the necessary support to take the Centre of Excellence for Sargassum to the expected height."

The  Minister said this when he visited the exhibition stand of the Centre of Excellence for Sagassum Research, Lagos State University at the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Expo 2023 held on Monday, 16th January, 2023 at the Eagle Square ,Abuja. The Honourable minister was full of praises to LASU for coming up with a research innovation that will add value to humanity.

The Centre Leader of the Centre of Excellence for Sargassum Research,  Distinguished Prof. Martins Anetekhai who conducted the Minister round the exhibition centre briefed the minister how the sargassum sea weeds came about, how it constitute nuisance to the sea thereby causing a whole lot of havoc to the sea activities including fishing and sea transport. He said with the support of the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Science and Research Innovation Council (LASRIC) has turned sargassum sea weeds to a veritable resource which is being showcased at this exhibition.

The Minister was accompanied by the Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation Chief Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh, Ministry Officials, Directors of Research Institutions, Heads of Corporate Organisation, Captains of Industries etc.

The Commissioner Ministry of Science and Technology, Lagos State Mr Hakeem Fahm who was at the Eagle Square venue of the exhibition expo to represent Lagos State Government visited the stand of the Centre of Excellence for Sargassum Research to see for himself the research products from sargassum on display. While talking to the media men the Commissioner expressed his happiness with the Centre for the wonderful performance and for making Lagos State Government proud at the expo with for all the Centre has achieved thus far. Mr Hakeem Fahm was accompanied by the Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Science and Technology Mr Saheed Balogun and other senior ministry officials.

The Chief of Staff to the  President of Nigeria Prof. Ibrahim Gambari who had earlier represented the President at the Research Expo 2023  with the theme; Actualising Effective Diversification of the Nigerian Economy Through Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) declared the event opened. The 5 day 7programme will come to an end on Friday, 20th January, 2023.

The LASU Centre of Excellence for Sargassum Research who had showcased it's end products from the research activities, recorded several visitors who thronged to it's stand  apparently impressed with the products exhibited to ask questions, clarifications and some to partner, collaborate and some with the intention further engage on the sargassum products/researches. 

The contingent represented at 2023 expo include; the Centre Leader, Distinguished Professor Martins Anetekhai, Dr. Iyabo Philips, LASRIC representative, Dr. Ronke Shaibu, Centre Research Secretary, Prof. Tosin Adu, member Biochemistry group, Mr. Sossu Emmanuel, Deputy Bursar Centre Finance Officer, Mr Ademola Adekoya PAR, Centre Member, Mrs Abosede Olatunji, Centre Aministrative Secretary, Mrs Blessing Nwatulegwu Researcher,  Mrs Bamidele Akinlade Poultry Farmer Partner, Mr Theophilus Akakpo Grascutter Farmer Partner