Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji has said that collaboration with the Humanity Advancement Innovation Network (HAIN) will foster a thriving innovation ecosystem and creation of jobs and wealth in the country.
Nnaji stated that Partnership with HAIN aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the areas of economic diversification, and inclusive development.
The Minister said this at the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry and Humanity Advancement Innovation Network (HAIN) today, in Abuja.
He said that HAIN’s programme is in line with the Ministry’s quest for Innovation, Science and Technology Entrepreneur ISTEP.
According to the Minister, “ISTEP is a transformation platform aimed at unlocking the immense potentials of our youths, which its objectives are ambitious and impactful by enhancing food security through agricultural and green innovation and also Promoting inclusive economic development by fostering innovation-driven enterprises”.
He further said that the main objective of the programme is to train and certify 10,000 innovators across 200 local Government Areas in the country in the next two years, establishing 2500 youth-led innovative enterprises to drive economic growth and competitiveness, development of 6 Innovation Academies and 3 ISTEP City Hubs as centers of excellence in technology and innovation as well as create 5000 new jobs, contributing to national efforts to tackle unemployment.
To this end, Nnaji commended HAIN for its unwavering dedication, expertise and partnership in bringing immense value to our shared vision of transforming Nigeria into global innovation hub and urged the youths to seize this opportunity as the future of the nation depends on their creativity, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.
Earlier, the Chairman, Humanity Advancement Innovation Network Mr. Daniel Olasetemi said that the ISEP is geared towards advancing the country by training, empowering and also providing a market to enable the youths to thrive.
Atuora Obed O.
Director (Information and Public Relations)
Collaboration is key of economic development and transpformation of any nation