The Minister of Communications, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Shittu
The Minister of Communications, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Shittu has disclosed the readiness of the Federal Government to do everything possible for the provision of effective support for innovation Hubs across the length and breadth of Nigeria.
In realization of the need to embrace innovation and use it as an engine for economic growth, the Federal Ministry of Communications will establish and provide support for existing innovation Hubs across the country as part of the priority projects identified in its ICT Sector Roadmap.
According to a statement by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Victor Oluwadamilare, “If equitably established across the country, the innovation Hubs, according to Barr. Shittu, will provide unique opportunities for start-ups and SMEs to acquire important ICT skills, build key networks and access necessary funding.
The minister, in a keynote address delivered at the public presentation of the Delta State Innovation Hub in Asaba on Monday said, “We, at the Federal Ministry of Communications, are keen to support you in this process. Our policies are geared towards using Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) as a catalyst for innovation in every sector of the economy”.
He stressed further that “a key part of my road-map is the establishment of new innovation hubs and support for existing ones as Innovation hubs serve as magnets for high-end thinkers and a birth place for ideas and channels for investment.
“They are crucial in the Federal Government’s drive to create jobs, generate wealth and increase revenue. We will keep our promise to create new hubs across the country and strengthen existing hubs for greater effectiveness. We are conscious of the need to support these hubs by creating a virile ICT Innovation Ecosystem within the country”.
Barr. Shittu added that as a result of a recent trip to the Silicon Valley, the Ministry is currently exploring a partnership that will assess the current state of our ecosystem disclosing that the consultants will propose a framework for developing an ecosystem in line with global best practices capable of making ICT innovation become second nature to Nigerians.
He, therefore commended the efforts of the dynamic Governor of Delta State, Dr Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa for his leadership and unique vision in providing the platform that will definitely inspire the human mind to think beyond the norm and force the re-awakening of innovation as solutions to the nation’s various challenges.
“The establishment of this Hub is a testament to the vision of His Excellency and the high premium he places on innovation. Indeed, the adversities in our nation portend great opportunities for creators and innovators that would be birthed and incubated in this facility”, he said.
