Date: November 30, 2023 11:44 am
The ongoing project of the Ilorin Innovation Hub got a major boost over the weekend with the Kwara state government signing a deal with global telecommunications giant, IHS Towers.
The Ilorin Innovation Hub, a state-of-the-art innovation facility initiated by the Kwara state government, is designed to foster a conducive environment for youth, facilitating the learning of digital skills and supporting the growth of businesses through innovation and startup entrepreneurship.
Speaking shortly after signing the deal Saturday in Ilorin, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq described it as “a partnership of huge mutual benefits.”
He said: “IHS is offering technical and organisational support in the operations, maintenance and management of it in exchange for certain benefits such as use and operation of the hub for the delivery of IHS training and ancillary programmes as well as branding rights, among other things.”
The governor quickly added that while his administration recognises the significance of public private partnership (PPP) in driving his government’s policies, it will also protect the interest of the state.
The innovation hub’s managing director, Temi Kolawole, said the 33 million soft ware development will be needed globally, assuring that youth who take advantage of the hub are sure of job opportunities.
Chief Executive Officer, IHS Towers, Mohammed Darwish,
praised the Kwara state’s digital policies, particularly the free Right of Way for Fiber Optic Cable deployment, which according to him, is critical in facilitating the growth of the digital economy in the state.
