Omowunmi Sadik

"In the area of agriculture and solid minerals, we look at manufacturing, services, entertainment and all these are viable areas to expand them."

"We ought to examine our own uniqueness, location, custom and the people and adopt an educational system that will take into account the uniqueness."

"I generally think of my work in terms of innovation and problem-solving. What can we do differently? How can we use or reinterpret what is already known to solve another problem? My philosophy is to explain how chemistry permeates the world around us. That’s always been my motivation – to take chemistry beyond the classroom, to show that chemistry is not confined to a lab or as is commonly portrayed in the popular culture in terms of toxicity and that it offers solutions that permeate our everyday lives."

"I am the first chemist and the first female scientist to receive the honor, who was contacted and asked to submit an application for the award."

"Knowing the caliber of people who have received the award and that I’m considered on that level is phenomenal."

"If your people pick you out and give you that kind of recognition, it’s satisfying. I’m ecstatic and also humbled."

"We changed the name to better describe the direction we’re moving to for sustainable development."

"It’s something that’s low cost and famers in developing countries can take and use,” she said. “So for example, if a farmer grows yams, which is common in developing countries in Asia and Africa, and Nigeria is one of the largest producers, it’s important agriculturally. That’s why we decided to focus on this."

"I develop sensors and technologies and look for creative solutions to problems."

"In the 21st century, we face enormous economic, social, and technological challenges as articulated in the UN Sustainable Development Goals: the need to achieve zero hunger, clean water, affordable and clean energy, healthcare, and economic development. Innovation and commitment to problem-solving will be the key to addressing these challenges- that requires that we continually engage the next generation to achieve the solutions to these challenges."