Innovation key to emerging economies, says CreditPRO MD

Innovation has been identified as a critical driver of growth and sustainable development in emerging economies, with stakeholders urged to embrace creative solutions to address economic and social challenges.

Sola Adeyiga, managing director of CreditPRO Finance Company Limited made this assertion while delivering a lecture at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Faculty of Science Open Lecture which held at the OGD Hall, at Ago Iwoye, main campus, Ogun State, where he reaffirmed the firm’s commitment to knowledge-driven development, innovation, and youth empowerment through its sponsorship of the institution’s lecture.

Delivering a lecture titled “Innovation at the Intersection of Science, Technology and Business: Opportunities for Emerging Economies,”  Adeyiga, emphasised the critical role of science, technology, innovation, and enterprise in addressing contemporary societal and economic challenges.

He, posited that while scientific discoveries remain critical to human progress, their true value is realised only when they are successfully applied through technology and scaled through viable business models.

“Science creates knowledge. Technology applies that knowledge. Business scales its impact. Innovation happens when all three work together to create value,” he said.

He narrated how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, renewable energy, data analytics, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure are reshaping industries, creating new markets, and opening unprecedented opportunities for young innovators across developing economies.

Adeyiga challenged the students to move beyond traditional career pathways and embrace problem-solving, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning as essential tools for success in the innovation economy.

“The future belongs to those who can transform knowledge into solutions that improve lives. Your generation must not simply consume innovation. You must build it,” he said.

Ayodeji  Agboola, the vice-chancellor at OOU,  and representatives of the Faculty of Science commended CreditPRO for supporting initiatives that promote intellectual engagement and expose students to real-world perspectives from industry leaders.

They noted that such partnerships are essential in preparing graduates for opportunities in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven global economy.

The vice-chancellor said the university will be committed to exploring the introduction and expansion of learning pathways in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, digital innovation, financial technology, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization, among other future-focused disciplines aligned with global economic trends and workforce demands.

The event, which brought together students, academics, researchers, and industry professionals, had Adeyiga, who is an alumnus of the university, as guest speaker.

Participants described the session as insightful, practical, and inspiring, noting the relevance of the discussions to current economic realities and future career aspirations.

As a company dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses through innovative financial solutions, CreditPRO remains committed to supporting initiatives that advance education, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and sustainable development.