In commemoration of World Creativity and Innovative Day celebration, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has awarded N10 million grant to five Nigerian innovators.
Muhammad Abdullahi Bature of Schoola Limited; Jeremiah Kuro of Blieu-I Automation Limited; Nwachinemere Emeka; Ajiboye Mayowa of CBTng.com and Izu Divine Freeman received the grant.
Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami made this known at the World Creativity and Innovative Day ceremony held in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said the quality and originality of Nigerian innovators have shown that the future of digital Innovation sector is overwhelming.
He explained that 800 participants registered for the challenge and the top five have been awarded N2 million each by NITDA.
He also stated that the winners would be incorporated into the agency’s digital technology scheme, followed with a letter of commendation from his office.
He urged startups to deploy critical thinking to upscale their innovativeness, while noting that the initiative supports Federal Government’s policy on innovation which is almost concluded.
The director-general of NITDA, Abdullahi Kashifu noted that the Nigerian digital innovation space was making waves on the African continent and beyond.
Kashifu further said that “in line with our goals of strengthening the innovation ecosystem, we drive catalytic programmes, like hackathons and innovation challenge, that will foster an innovation culture. It will also enhance the hubs, where innovative ideas are conceptualised and nurtured. Our programmes are designed to build innovation and entrepreneurship capabilities across Nigeria. Some of our key initiatives specifically designed to support the innovation ecosystem are Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation Support (TIES) scheme, Bridge MassChallenge Nigeria and MIT-REAP Abuja”.
One of the winners of the challenge, Ajiboye Mayowa who is also an educational technology innovator, while appreciating the government, said the fund would be channelled into innovative research and development.
The United Nations in recognition of the importance of creativity and innovation to humanity designated April 21 as the World Creativity and Innovation Day. The celebration started four years ago.
