Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has called for investment in science research institutions as part of government’s economic diversification plan.

The governor, who received the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, said a diversified economy would create employment opportunities for the people.

“We must sustain the development of technology for the growth of the country,” he said on Thursday at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

“I urge that we begin to use research reports from science institutes to attain the desired growth. “The development of relevant machinery and equipment will help create jobs locally and enhance the economy “.

Governor Wike said the minister exhibited maturity by establishing the Chemical Equipment and Machinery Development Institute in the state, noting that other ministers would have been influenced by political considerations.

He further directed the management of Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority to liaise with the Ministry of Science and Technology for the allocation of land for the institute.

Earlier, Dr Onu said the institute was a part of the process to build a knowledge-based economy that would sustain the nation, stressing that the over-reliance on oil and gas has made it difficult for the economy to grow in view of emerging realities.

“The decision has been made to make Nigeria an innovation-driven economy; we are determined to work hard to ensure this succeeds.

“If there is a problem with oil, we will still strive. For us to do this, we need to build capacity, look inwards and use our natural resources in ways that will improve our economy,” he said.

The Minister also noted that Rivers State plays a very important role in the chemical and petrochemical sector of the nation’s economy.

“We want the institute to be a centre of excellence in the chemical and petrochemical sector of the nation’s economy.

“The results of the research will be available to the private sector. We will be in a position to grow our economy,” he said.