Kwara, IHS Partner On Technology Innovation Hub

The Kwara State government has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IHS Nigeria for the development of a technology innovation facility in Kwara State.

The Kwara State government, in a statement by its spokesperson, Rafiu Ajakaye, said that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq signed the MoU alongside IHS Nigeria CEO, Mohamad Darwish, at a brief ceremony attended by several officials in Ilorin, Kwara State on Saturday, November 18, 2023.

The project tagged “Ilorin Innovation Hub” is part of the Kwara State Government’s efforts to stimulate and deepen the alignment of technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, investment, and job creation for young people aged 18 to 35 years old.

Under the Ilorin Innovation Hub project, IHS Nigeria will provide financial and technical support to complete the building of the Ilorin Innovation Hub, in addition to operating and managing it for the Kwara State Government. IHS Nigeria will also deliver various training programmes including digital skills enhancement, and accelerator programmes for start-ups at the Hub.

Speaking at the MoU signing, Governor AbdulRazaq reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for technology talent and startups to thrive, and to the continuous stimulation of digital skills and entrepreneurial capacity amongst young people in the state.

He stated, “What we are witnessing today is an attestation to the foundation that my administration has laid since we came into office, which is to build sustainable socioeconomic development and institutional growth that will reposition Kwara State as the hallmark of innovation.”

IHS Nigeria CEO, Mohamad Darwish, noted that the project aims to transform Kwara into an economically viable and self-sustainable state, while promoting digital literacy, technological advancement, and youth empowerment.