In a strategic move to accelerate technological innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) has formalized a groundbreaking partnership with the Kwara State Government.
The Director General/CEO of NBTI, Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, and the Honorable Commissioner for Business, Innovation, and Technology, Hon. Damilola Adelodun Yusuf, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Ilorin, Kwara State. This collaboration is set to unlock new economic opportunities, create jobs for Nigerian youth, and stimulate sustainable wealth creation through technology-driven startups and entrepreneurship.
Speaking at the MoU signing, Dr. Raji emphasized that this partnership is more than just a formal agreement—it is a commitment to transforming lives, fostering innovation, and boosting the Nigeria GDP through entrepreneurship. He noted that the execution of this MoU cements a shared responsibility between NBTI and the Kwara State Government to provide an enabling environment for innovators and entrepreneurs to thrive.
Dr. Raji commended the Kwara State Government’s unwavering support for the Technology Incubation Program and acknowledged their contributions, which include:
- Allocation of the former School of Agriculture as the Technology Incubation Centre (TIC), Ilorin.
- Procurement and installation of an MD Meter to enhance power supply at the Centre.
- Provision of grants for two entrepreneurs to scale up their products and loans for two additional entrepreneurs through KWASSIP (Kwara State Social Investment Program).
- Consistent inclusion of the Technology Incubation Centre in state-organized trade fairs, seminars, and business networking events.
- Construction of drainage systems to manage water flow within the Centre.
- Protection of the allocated land from encroachment.
To ensure the full realization of the program’s objectives, Dr. Raji urged the Kwara State Government to further support the Centre in:
• Upgrading the access roads within the Incubation Centre.
• Improving drainage and flooring within the facility.
• Organizing exhibitions to showcase and promote products developed by incubated entrepreneurs.
Kwara State Government’s Commitment to Innovation & Youth Empowerment
In response, Hon. Damilola Adelodun Yusuf reaffirmed Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s commitment to youth and women empowerment through innovation. She assured that the Governor would be informed of NBTI’s additional requests and that necessary actions would be taken to strengthen the partnership.
She also highlighted that Kwara State boasts an Innovation Hub dedicated to supporting startups, and the government is exploring further collaboration between NBTI and the hub to expand opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
The MoU was officially signed by Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji (DG/CEO, NBTI), Hon. Damilola Adelodun Yusuf (Commissioner for Business, Innovation, and Technology), Hajia Sefinat Jibril (Acting Director, Legal Services, NBTI), and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Technology.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Raji praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold economic policies under the Renewed Hope administration, which aim to revitalize Nigeria’s economy, empower entrepreneurs, and create sustainable employment for millions of Nigerians.
This partnership between NBTI and the Kwara State Government stands as a beacon of economic progress, innovation, and opportunity, ensuring that Nigerian startups have the resources and support they need to flourish.
Olajunmoke David
Chief Information Officer
