In a bid to boost economic growth and nurture entrepreneurship in Kwara State, the government has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Board for Technology Incubation (NIBT), an agency under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology.

The MoU was signed by Hon. Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, Commissioner for Business, Innovation, and Technology, at the Ministry’s conference room. The signing underscores the state government's dedication to fostering an enabling environment for startups, entrepreneurs, and innovators to flourish.

According to a statement issued by Taibat Baba Adams, Press Secretary of the Ministry, Commissioner Adelodun described the agreement as a landmark achievement in Kwara State’s drive to promote innovation and technology. She also highlighted Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s commitment to developmental projects, citing the upcoming commissioning of the Kwara State Information Technology Hub. This hub is expected to generate employment opportunities and enhance skills development among the state’s youthful population.

Also speaking at the event, Mary Kemi Adeoshun, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, emphasized the government’s dedication to capital projects that benefit youths, women, and vulnerable groups.

She expressed optimism for a smooth and productive collaboration with NIBT.

In his keynote address, Kazeem Kolawole Raji, the Director General/Chief Executive of NIBT, commended Governor Abdulrazaq for fostering an enabling business environment in Kwara.

He also praised the Ministry’s efforts in facilitating the MoU, describing the partnership as the beginning of a shared commitment to achieving common goals.

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 center through various interventions, including: Provision of accommodation facilities Installation of MD meters Grants for entrepreneurs to upscale their products; Loan disbursements through the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP); Participation in the annual trade fair; Infrastructure projects such as drainage construction.

The event was attended by key stakeholders, including; Luguard Okonobo – Director General, Nigeria Women Economic Development Projects, Tunde Thompson Amos – Director, Personnel, Finance, and Supply, Abdulfatai Yusuf – Centre Manager, NIBT, Rabiat Bola Salaudeen – Director, Industry, and Taiwo Adebisi – Director of Commerce.