The Kwara State Government and IHS Nigeria have unveiled the Ilorin Innovation Hub, an initiative aimed at generating 10,000 direct and indirect jobs by fostering digital skills, artificial intelligence, agricultural technology, and energy innovation. The hub, which spans over 13,000 square meters and can accommodate over 1,000 users, is designed to drive entrepreneurship, technological advancements, and economic growth in Kwara and beyond.
At the launch event in Ilorin, IHS Nigeria CEO Mohamad Darwish emphasized that the hub is more than just a facility—it is an ecosystem built to nurture creative talent and equip young innovators with essential skills. He highlighted the potential for globally competitive startups to emerge from Ilorin, supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure, co-working spaces, accelerator programs, and access to mentorship and funding.
Representing Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr. Mary Ayinde, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to becoming a hub for technological innovation, stressing that connectivity and digital transformation are key priorities.
IHS Nigeria’s Chief Operating Officer, Kazeem Oladepo, revealed that the company is collaborating with Co-Creation Hub (CcHub) and Future Africa to implement programs that will empower startups and businesses with the necessary tools to thrive in the digital economy. CcHub, a leading pan-African innovation enabler, will focus on building capacity, supporting top innovators, and strengthening the regional innovation ecosystem to attract key industry players.
The initiative aligns with the federal government’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda,’ which seeks to invest in the digital economy to enhance local industries, boost productivity, and create sustainable employment opportunities for millions of Nigerians.
