Speaking on Sunday at the closing of a two-week summit for some Nigerian students, researchers and academia at the Abuja Innov8 Hub, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, pledged the parliament’s readiness to support creative activities in Nigeria.
Themed, “Research for impact initiative (R4i)”, the programme is a collaborative endeavour by TETFund and Innov8 Hub, launched in 2022, to usher in a new era of innovation, technology, research and development in Nigeria with the sole aim to spur economic growth and comprehensive national development.
Kalu said, “The House is interested in providing solutions to the hydra-headed needs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It has also come to our mind that, the problems that we are trying to solve year in, and year out, using the usual tradition, have not given us the expected level of production in this country, therefore, the call for innovation that will challenge tradition, to increase production; that call cannot be overemphasized.
“For Nigeria, this need for innovation is even more crucial. We face numerous challenges, from unemployment and poverty to security threats and climate change. To overcome these obstacles and achieve sustainable development, we must unleash the immense potential of our people, particularly our young minds brimming with creative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit.
“This is where initiatives like the Innov8 Hub by i-FAIR come into play. By providing mentorship, resources, and collaboration platforms, these programs empower our innovators, inventors, and entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into tangible solutions.”
The Deputy Speaker also acknowledged the role of the Embassy of the State of Israel in Nigeria and the Israeli community, in “partnering with Nigeria in this crucial endeavor. Your commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria is truly commendable, and we, as a nation, deeply appreciate your support”.
“The President believes that we need to innovate. Nigeria believes that we need to innovate. That is why every agency of government, such as TETFund, has been given all that is needed to push innovation from where this administration met it, to where it ought to be.
“And I’m happy, speaking from the parliament, that the man who is driving it is my good friend, he is not sleeping, he is interested in pushing. I’m proud of you. I’m really proud of you!
“You are thinking outside the box, how we can build this nation, not by doing the usual, but by considering the possible and fighting the impossible elements, so that the possibility will be showcased to make our lives easier. I’m proud of the work you are doing and you should do some more.
“And I know when I heard what you said in that speech that you are planning to multiply this, I was impressed. When I heard you are planning to even incorporate those who innovated outside this hub, and that you will provide a platform for them; I was very impressed, because, by so doing, you will harvest innovations you have not invested in, and then prune them for a greater future,” Kalu told TETFund.
The Deputy Speaker also called for the establishment of such innovation hubs across the South East region of Nigeria, to mitigate the impacts of insecurity and underdevelopment, which is part of the programs being undertaken by the Peace in South East Project.
A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Mr Levinus Nwabughiogu quoted Lalu as saying, that the initiative can be strategically linked to PISE-P through the engagement of young people.
“I call upon i-FAIR to consider establishing a similar facility in the South East of Nigeria. This region, renowned as our nation’s manufacturing hub, presents immense potential for harnessing innovation and
entrepreneurship”, he stressed.
Speaking earlier, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono said the initiative is part of the Fund’s strategy to reposition public tertiary institutions to quicken national reawakening and promote socio-economic development.
