When 29yr Old Nigerian Talented Engineer,Toyosi Craig Became Guest Of Obasanjo
Omooba Risawe
The 29 year old Nigerian talented Engineer,resident in South Africa, Toyosi Craig was a guest of former President Olusegun Obasanjo where he narrated his plight back home,in an efforts to put Nigeria in world map of technology but hit the rock following neglect by government.
Craig who eventually find his way to South-Africa by divine intervention has become a household name in the foreignland, and representing South-Africa at various international fora.
He was recently welcome into the palatial residence of the former President Olusegun Obasanjo located at the Presidential Hilltop, Abeokuta,and had warm reception from his host. The visit was facilitated by the management of the renowned social media,penpushing platform
Obasanjo’s guest,a product of Abeokuta Grammar School,Abeokuta,Ogun State Capital and engineering graduate to Federal University of Technology,Akure has invented a pounded yam machine which can produce a full 2-man size meal in less than 30 seconds and solar cooker
He has also invented Yoruba version of scrabble ,called ‘Akomolede’,which he said if included in school subject will guide against posible oblivion of the language
‘I couldn’t find support to develop it. The project was built with the loans my parents got. I never knew that it was a country’s responsibility to fund quality research’,he stated.
‘At that point, I knew I had to change my orientation. I got opportunities to study further on all these innovations and infrastructural development in Europe and America, many of which came with part-scholarships, but there was no way I could get the remaining funds’.
He said he moved round the country and contacted well meaning Nigerians,as well as government to secure loan to enable him had additional educational development for the innovations,but it was all empty promises.
‘There is no government I didn’t try to meet. I wrote to everyone, pleading for a loan, not even a scholarship. I remember begging some kings for education promising to payback in 3 years. Those days were painful’.
Craig, said he was almost frustrated,adding that at a point he found out that some schools in South Africa are world class,and thereafter applied to Stellenbosch University,and luck thereafter smiled on him
‘I found out that some schools in South Africa are world class. I applied to Stellenbosch University and God favored me’,he said.
Craig said while in the university he became a toast of the country,following his research of building a stand-alone parabolic solar cooker for African condition.
‘I was able to build a stand -alone parabolic solar cooker for African condition which has been widely celebrated worldwide and I was recently given a highly commended recognition as the young researcher of the year’.
The talented Nigerian young researcher disclosed that he is currently pursuing his PhD in the foreign country recently rewarded an award of excellence from the South African University.
‘Nigeria is my home, the Nigerian blood runs in me, but the truth is South Africa gave me these opportunities which my home denied me’,he told his guest
Obasanjo in response said he was impressed by the feat of the boy, and semphasised need to encourage him,in ensuring that his dream and talent,as well as brilliance does not waste away.
He said, Craig should be in regular contact with him as a way to further finetune positive roles in his choseen career particularly for the benefit of the country.
