Kwara adopts technical innovation to boost businesses, empower youth

The Kwara Government says it has adopted technological innovation to boost businesses and support youths in the state.

Temi Kolawole, managing director, Ilorin Innovation Hub, disclosed this in Ilorin at the ecosystem engagement on the adoption of the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA) in Kwara State.

Kolawole explained that the plan was to move more people from the informal sector to formal via technology to assist more youths to be self-reliant.

“We have a very well structured business environment in Kwara. With the introduction of Startup Act, there is hope for Kwara youths.

“We wanted to bring in innovation and technology to the ease of doing businesses and make life better for Kwara citizens,” he said.

Kolawole disclosed that it would take six months to implement the Startup Act and capture youths in the state.

“Through capacity building and training, we will surely get there and make Kwara a business hub,” he added.

In her submission, Tracy Okoro-Isaac, the state Adoption Lead for NSA, said that the Act was signed into law in 2022 by President Muhammadu Buhari, adding that the Startup Act was signed to create enabling environment for tech-enabled companies to thrive in the country.

She noted that one of the challenges young people have with startups was little or no access to funding.

“We want Nigeria to be at forefront as technology producers, solving technology problems.

“We have more than enough talents in the country. We need to wake them and show them how to have quality life via technology,” she explained.

She described Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq as innovation -driven governor, who always key in to the digital economy and prosperity.

Okoro-Issac assured Kwara citizens of prosperous businesses and better life with the adoption of the friendly Nigeria Startup Act.

Also speaking, Ibrahim Akaje, Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, who was represented by Ibrahim Saleh, described the Startup Act as pivotal to economic activities.

He said eight out of 36 states have shown interest in the NSA.