Vice President Yemi Osinbajo PHOTO: NOVO ISIORO
As BoI restates dedication to assist SMEs
In a bid to obtain a knowledge-based economic system within the close to future, the federal authorities has unveiled plans to drive and assist youth entrepreneurs within the nation deploying using technology.
The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, stated that the federal authorities has concluded plans to construct technological hubs within the six geopolitical zones, declaring that it's the means to form the way forward for the nation.
The Vice President on the Student Innovation Challenge (SIC) South West regional demo day held on the University of Lagos, mentioned “The better of technological firms began from the colleges and that is why we now have determined to construct technology hubs within the six geopolitical zones beginning on the University of Lagos.
“Everybody knows where the smart money is looking and we all know that the universities are the best place to get the very best talents because we believe it is what is needed to shape the future of the country.”
Meanwhile, the Bank of Industry (BoI) has reaffirmed its dedication to present monetary help and assist for the institution of huge, medium, small and micro enterprises within the nation.
As said by Osinbajo, “We have partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the BOI, MTN and other agencies to organise the student challenge to find the best of students’ innovation, technology ideas, creative ideas from students across Nigeria. We want to gather many of the great ideas as much as possible for them to get a chance to be supported or tested commercially. It is absolutely the exciting time to be alive. The best days are here and the future is here.”
Earlier, the Managing Director, BOI, Olukayode Pitan, famous that the gathering was a reflection of the altering perspective in Nigeria in the direction of innovation and galvanizing assist for start-ups, declaring that these are the alternatives Nigeria should make if financial improvement is to yield actual dividends for the Nigerian plenty and tackle the social and financial challenges.
“It is laudable that this platform allows the younger generation to showcase entrepreneurial insight, talent and innovation. The Bank of Industry (BOI) is Nigeria’s oldest, largest and most successful development ficing institution. Our vision is to transform Nigeria’s industrial sector by providing financial and business support services to enterprises,” he mentioned.
He famous that the technology sector is a budding business that reveals a vital quantity of promise, harnessing the innovation and ingenuity of the nation’s vastly younger inhabitants whereas additionally fixing native and international issues at scale.
“I am elated that BOI is associated with the Student Innovation Challenge (SIC) because the initiative is a testament of the current paradigm shift being witnessed in Nigeria’s technology and business ecosystem. The challenge is particularly worthy of commendation because it is focused on students in tertiary institutions and creates access that allows the youth brainstorm on entrepreneurial and innovative ideas,” he additionally mentioned.
H defined the mandate of the bank, saying the DFI seeks to present monetary help and assist for the institution of huge, medium, small and micro enterprise.
“The Students Innovation Challenge gives a medium in line with executing this mandate. I would love to encourage all contributors who've been chosen to pitch their concepts right this moment to put their greatest foot ahead.
“This platform creates access to actualize your ideas, do not misuse it. In every competitive contest, there would be one “victor” however many winners. To these of you whose concepts aren't chosen, don't be dismayed, return and strategize. Do not hand over or lose hope. You are already a winner for being right here”, he additionally mentioned.