FG Lauded for Empowering Young Nigerians through Innovation Challenge

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Leader of the Senate, have praised the Federal Government’s initiative to empower young Nigerians across the country.

The commendation came during the launch of the NextGen Innovation Challenge portal, organized by the National Board for Technology Incubation in Abuja.

Senator Bamidele described the move as a crucial step in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship among young Nigerians. He noted that the initiative aligns with the national drive towards sustainable development and will foster creativity and technological growth.

Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, expressed his conviction that the technological contest will lay a solid foundation for innovative young Nigerians if sustained.

He emphasized that the initiative is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to foster innovation and empower youths.

The NextGen Innovation Challenge portal allows young Nigerians to submit innovative ideas in various sectors, including health, agriculture, education, and digital infrastructure.

The contest aims to engage youths across the 774 local government areas, with the top 37 innovators representing Nigeria on a global stage in London.

Dr. Kazeem Kolawole, Director General of the National Board for Technology Incubation, highlighted the importance of empowering young Nigerians through inclusive and grassroots-driven initiatives. He noted that Nigeria has a vast talent pool, with 70% of its population under the age of 35, and that technology can be used to solve national problems.

The NBTI boss assured participants that their ideas will be protected under Nigeria’s intellectual property laws, with the engagement of the Trademark Registry, WIPO, and NOTAP to ensure the safety and protection of entries.