The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has performed the foundation-laying ceremony for a state-of-the-art Renewed Hope Startup Hub in Wuye, Abuja.
The Hub is a partnership between the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Government of Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Senator Oluremi Tinubu described the Hub as another important step towards technological advancement, youth empowerment and digital inclusion for young people across the nation.
“The establishment of start-up hubs across the nation aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which prioritises youth empowerment through entrepreneurship, skills development and sustainable job creation, equipping young Nigerians to compete and thrive in the global economy.
“To our young innovators, this Start-Up Hub is yours. You can arrive here with a sketch and leave with a working prototype that takes you into the global market space. Let this hub be the home where your dreams are nurtured and scaled.”
The First Lady commended the collaboration between the Governments of Japan and Nigeria, noting that it had given rise to the Startup Hub and several other developmental projects and initiatives.
“I want to acknowledge and express our appreciation to the Government of Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), for providing the strategic grant that has made this intervention possible. This partnership highlights the mutual belief in the vast, untapped potential of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and our vibrant youth population.”
In his remarks, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NITDA, Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, noted that since 2021, the partnership between the agency and JICA had focused on strengthening Nigeria’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem through capacity building, knowledge transfer, infrastructure development and international collaboration.
He explained that the proposed facility would serve as a focal point for startup development, industry engagement and innovation ecosystem coordination. It would also strengthen access to infrastructure, technical expertise, mentorship and opportunities for collaboration between Nigerian innovators and international partners.
“This partnership is an investment of approximately US$10.4 million, depending on the conversion rate, for the innovation hub. The project is also presented as part of a broader Japan–Nigeria startup ecosystem support initiative involving complementary financing mechanisms.”
The Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo, assured that, with the improved economic atmosphere in the country, Japan was pleased to continue expanding its partnerships with Nigeria, particularly in education and technology.
