DBN graduates first Innovation Hub cohort, unveils new entrepreneurs in Kaduna

The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) has strengthened its push for inclusive economic growth and small business development with the graduation of the first cohort of its Innovation Hub Acceleration Programme and the unveiling of a second batch of entrepreneurs in Kaduna State.

The milestone event, held today Tuesday as a combined graduation and unveiling ceremony, marks a significant step in DBN’s strategic intervention aimed at deepening support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), enhancing job creation, and promoting sustainable economic development across Nigeria.

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Rudolf Uji, the program lead stressed that the Kaduna Innovation Hub, launched in December 2025, is the first in a network of regional hubs designed to support enterprise growth through structured programmes including incubation, acceleration, and digital capacity building. The initiative also seeks to expand access to finance and strengthen entrepreneurial skills among small business owners.

Rudolf Uji and other DBN officials celebrated the achievements of the pioneer cohort, initially unveiled on February 2, 2026, with 40 participants. Of that number, 37 entrepreneurs successfully completed the intensive acceleration programme.

Speaking at the ceremony, Fortune Tamunokuro Granville, Capacity Building Manager, Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) described the graduation as “a celebration of resilience, discipline, and transformation,” noting that participants had undergone rigorous training, mentorship, and business development sessions aimed at preparing them for sustainable and bankable enterprise operations.

The capacity Building Manager said, “The programme was designed not just to equip participants with knowledge, but to challenge their thinking, refine their business models, and position them for real-world success.”

According to Granville, the Innovation Hub initiative is part of a broader vision to empower MSMEs as catalysts for economic growth and national development. Although the bank does not lend directly to businesses, it plays a key role in facilitating access to finance through partnerships, while also creating platforms that enable entrepreneurs to scale.

The program lead emphasizeed that the event also featured showcase sessions where graduating participants presented their business ideas and growth journeys. Organisers emphasized that the showcase was not a competition, but an opportunity for entrepreneurs to demonstrate their progress and attract potential partnerships and support.

Speaking, Badamasu Yay Barau, the manager of kaduna State office encouraged stakeholders, including development partners, private sector representatives, and government agencies to engage with the entrepreneurs and explore collaboration opportunities.

Badamasu stated that the programme received backing from the Arab Gulf Fund (AGFund), alongside other partners, mentors, and facilitators who contributed to its success.

Adressing the participants, Oshoke Ayodele, sales manager of Nigeria Glo limited said that, as the first cohort exits, DBN simultaneously ushered in a second group of entrepreneurs, signaling continuity in its commitment to nurturing innovation and enterprise in the region.

Ayodele emphasizeed that, looking ahead, the bank disclosed plans to expand the initiative with additional hubs across the country, including a South-East Manufacturing Innovation Hub in Aba, Abia State; a North-East Agribusiness Innovation Hub in Bauchi; and a Fashion and Creative Innovation Hub in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, in collaboration with SMEDAN.

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He said that the hubs are expected to serve as platforms for identifying, supporting, and scaling high-potential businesses, while fostering regional economic resilience.

Responding, Saadalu Ahmad Shehu of excoflams enterprises and Okoeonko Bob Sam of Non-creative Works stated that the entrepreneurs in the new cohort will embrace the programme with dedication and boldness, as they begin their journey toward building competitive and impactful ventures.

They called for collaboration and sustained support for Nigeria’s growing innovation ecosystem, as DBN reaffirmed its role in driving long-term economic transformation through MSME empowerment.