The Kwara State Government in north-central Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), an agency under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, to promote economic growth, job creation, and entrepreneurship in the state.
The agreement was signed by Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, Commissioner for Business, Innovation, and Technology, during a ceremony at the ministry’s conference room.
Speaking at the event, Adelodun reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for startups, entrepreneurs, and innovators to thrive, emphasising the role of technology incubation in driving sustainable development.
Damilola described the signing as a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to promote innovation and technology, highlighting Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s investments in developmental projects, including the Kwara State Information Technology Hub, which is set for commissioning.
She noted that the hub would create job opportunities and enhance skills acquisition for the state’s teeming youths.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Mary Adeoshun, emphasised the state government’s dedication to capital projects that will benefit youths, women and vulnerable groups and expressed hope for a smooth and productive collaboration with NIBT.
In his keynote address, the Director General/Chief Executive of the National Board for Technology Incubation, Engr. Kazeem Raji commended Governor AbdulRazaq for fostering an enabling business environment in Kwara and praised the Ministry’s efforts in facilitating the MoU, stating that the partnership marks the beginning of a shared commitment to achieving common goals.
Engr. Raji noted that the NIBT Centre, established in 2009, plays a crucial role in wealth creation, self-sustainability, poverty reduction, and the commercialisation of research and development outcomes.
He expressed gratitude to the state government for supporting the centre through various interventions, including the provision of accommodation facilities, installation of MD meters, grants for entrepreneurs to upscale their products, loan disbursements through Kwara State Social Investment Programmes (KWASSIP), participation in the annual trade fair, and infrastructure projects such as drainage construction.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including the Director General of the Nigeria Women Economic Development Projects, Luguard Okonobo; Director of Personnel, Finance, and Supply, Mr Tunde Thompson Amos; Centre Manager, NIBT, Engr. AbdulFatai Yusuf; Director of Industry, Hajia Rabiat Bola Salaudeen; the Director of Commerce, Mr Taiwo Adebisi; and other dignitaries.
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