Kwara State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Board for Technology Incubation (NIBT).
This is an agency under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Abuja, aimed at driving economic growth, create jobs and foster entrepreneurship in the state.
The Commissioner for Business, Innovation, and Technology, Hon. Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, signed the MoU at the Ministry’s Conference room in Ilorin
Hon Yusuf reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for startups, entrepreneurs and innovators to thrive.
She described the signing as a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to promote innovation and technology.
The Commissioner highlighted Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s investments in developmental projects, including the Kwara State Information Technology Hub 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 Kemi Adeoshun, emphasized 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, National Board for Technology Incubation, Engr. Dr. Kazeem Kolawole 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 commercialization 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, the Nigeria Women Economic Development Projects, Hon. Luguard Okonobo; Director, Personnel, Finance, and Supply, Mr. Tunde Thompson Amos; Centre Manager, NIBT, Engr. AbdulFatai Yusuf; Director, Industry, Hajia Rabiat Bola Salaudeen; the Director of Commerce, Mr. Taiwo Adebisi; and other dignitaries.
