NGOs synergise to launch science café

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

Non- Governmental Organisations (NGOs) comprising Journalists for Social Development Initiative (JSDI) and Connected Development (CODE) have signed an agreement to launch the first ever Science Café as part of efforts to increase the level of science literacy in Nigeria.
The Co-initiator of the Science Cafe/Coordinator, Journalists for Social Development Initiative, Etta Michael Bisong, hinted that his organisation initiated the project to provide an informal platform where stakeholders can come together and brainstorm on how best to leverage on the potentials of science & technology for sustainable living.
He stated that JSDI, under the pact will oversee all the technical operations of the café, while CODE is expected to provide the platform and serve as host to the project.
“The science hangout initiative will feature series of other activities including a monthly Science Digest that will capture latest developments in the science & technology sphere.
“It is also expected to introduce a weekly talk show on radio where topical as well as trending issues on science & technology innovations are going to be discussed”, he said.
Etta lamented that science & technology has continued to suffer all sorts of public assaults despite its tremendous contributions to the growth of society.
Co-founder/Chief Executive of Connected Development, Hamzat Lawal, said the work relationship with JSDI is in fulfillment of his organisation’s mandate to strengthen and use the media as tool to make the world a better place.
He expressed optimism in the exercise and urged other key players both local and international to support this noble initiative so as to help accomplish objective of the project.