By: Mnena Iyorkegh, Abuja
The Nigerian government has emphasized the need to support the Israel-Nigeria Innovation Fellowship for Aspiring Inventors and Researchers (i-FAIR) initiative.
This is in a bid to enhance transformation and sustainable development across the country.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima stated this at the closing ceremony of the third “i-FAIR Israel – Nigeria 2023-2024” cohorts graduation ceremony in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The Vice President, who was represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs (Office of the Vice-President,) Mr. Tope Fasua, commended the Israeli government for its good gesture towards Nigeria.
He urged the participants to maximize the opportunities they have.
“We live in a kinetically dynamic and digital world, where we are seeing today’s reality and tomorrow’s innovation by power of technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, internet and others.
“We commend the Innov8Hub for what it has been doing so far amongst our youth and the innovative at heart. We have seen numerous innovations on display, many of which have been commercialized and are having an impact on Nigeria and beyond.
“We believe this is merely the beginning, I appeal to all and sundry to show maximal support to the idea behind the hub, as it is indeed transformative. Our very survival in a fast paced world depends on it,” he said.
Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman said the nine-month mentorship program shows how collaboration and innovation are critical to the Israel-Nigeria relationship.
He noted that “President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda resonates deeply with the ethos of the i-FAIR program, championing empowerment, growth, and prosperity for Nigeria.
He said: “With a focus on nurturing the talents of our youth, this program aligns seamlessly with President Tinubu’s vision of propelling Nigeria towards excellence, notably in the digital economy where job creation is paramount.”
Ambassador Freeman, added that the graduating cohort, comprising twelve companies spanning health, climate change, and agriculture, embodies the spirit of innovation and resilience.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, represented by a Director in the Ministry, Ambassador Akinremi Bolaji, reiterate the Ministry’s commitment to working with foreign governments and developing partners to bring sustainable development to Nigeria through innovations.
“The Nigerian government has noted the consistent warm and excellent relationship between the two countries since the establishment of the diplomatic relationship. This particular innovative Hub has been fruitful and evident of Israel’s strategic partnerships with Nigeria in various sectors.
He urged the beneficiaries of the i-FAIR programme to continue with innovations to achieve the desired goal
Speaking on the topic. “Nigeria’s vision for Digital entrepreneurship and innovation” the Minster of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy Dr. Bosun Tijani, said Nigeria is in need of entrepreneurs that would build the society.
“Nigeria has been able to mainstream the role of innovation in development. We have been able to demonstrate the power that technology has been able to help resolve development in country and strengthen democracy as well. Nigeria has made a lot of gains over the past ten years. Until we empower these young people, if we do not empower this young people to be able to contribute to the word, we are not only throwing the opportunity away, but also we also not helping the world. Is all about using the talent and the resources we have to contribute to nation development”. He said.
