The Federal Government says the “Innovate Naija” Initiative will transform the country’s technology and innovation landscape by providing young people with the support they need to develop practical solutions.
Speaking during the launch of the initiative in Lagos on Thursday, 5th September, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, Khalil Halilu, said the Innovation challenge is the biggest in the region and reflects the government’s confidence in the creativity of Nigerian youth.
He explained that participants would benefit from funding, mentorship, and other support, and urged innovators to focus on solving real problems that can scale across Africa.
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Also speaking, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, Kashifu Inuwa, described the initiative as a game-changer that will help innovators move their ideas from inception to impact.
He said the grants attached to the programme would enable young Nigerians to commercialise their projects, turning inventions into products that people are willing to pay for.
On his part, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, said the government is determined to shift young Nigerians from being job seekers to job creators.
He noted that through collaboration with agencies, parastatals, and the private sector, platforms like Innovate Naija and the Nigerian Youth Academy will give young people the chance to grow ideas into businesses and become employers of labour.
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