Innovation Support Network (ISN) Hubs Announces New Board Members and Chairman

Innovation Support Network (ISN) Hubs, the largest community of over 170 innovation, entrepreneurship and technology hubs across 26 states in Nigeria, focused on catalyzing Nigeria’s Innovation ecosystem and advancing socioeconomic development is pleased to announce the appointment of Engr. Charles Uchenna Emembolu as the new Chairman to lead the ISN Board of Directors.

Engr. Charles Emembolu is the Co-Founder of Roar Nigeria Hub – Nigeria’s 1st university embedded, private sector led, technology incubator founded under a triple helix structure in partnership with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 2016. Over the last decade, he has founded and supported several technology and innovation focused organizations leveraging ecosystem, academia, public sector and corporate partnerships including TechQuest STEM Academy LTD/GTE and Crestsage Limited. He has led collaborations and partnerships between ISN and several development agencies as the Partnerships Director since his election in 2022. A position he still holds after the ISN Board Elections held in September 2023 at the Army Resource Center, Asokoro, Abuja.

The Elections ushered in other ISN Board Directors comprising seasoned industry professionals with broad experience and expertise across various sub-sectors of the innovation ecosystem.

Maryam Lawan Gwadabe, Founder of Blue Sapphire Hub as the Director for Corporate. is a passionate academic researcher, Startup Mentor, and Social Innovator with a degree in Software Engineering from Coventry University and Computer Network Management from Middlesex University. She is a 2022 outstanding woman in tech award winner by the United Nations Association of Nigeria, one-time featured Forbes Africa 30 under 30, and an alumnus of International Visitor Leadership Programme in science and technology by the US department of state.

Edward Esene, Founder of Plus Incubation Hub as the Director of Marketing. Edward is a multiple award-winning and highly sought-after startup coach, innovation consultant and marketing expert who has contributed to the success of several notable projects such as Google’s #DigitalSkills4Africa, Federal Government of Nigeria #YouWin Project, Boost With Facebook, Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Youth and Entrepreneurship Development Programs and many more.

Achu Blessing Ebere, Founder of 360 Creative Innovation Hub as the Director of Finance. Blessing is a creative startup ecosystem builder, passionate about supporting the growth of women and youth-owned/led SMEs in the African fashion industry – from cotton farmers to retail stores – and building a generation of globally reputed “Made in Africa ”- brands.

Theodore Longji, CEO of nHub as the Ecosystem Director. Theodore is actively involved in ecosystem building and has been for a decade. His passion for the growth of the Innovation ecosystem and tech startups has led him to champion conversations, lead ecosystem engagements, and work with high-level committees to help with the design and review of technology-related policy frameworks. He is the convener of HackJos, the premier hackathon that brings the tech ecosystem to Jos every year.

“We are delighted to announce the addition of our new Board members and Chairman,” expressed Oge Nnaife, Executive Director of ISN Hubs. “Their collective experience and expertise promise invaluable contributions as we steadfastly pursue our mission to cultivate innovation and collaboration, aiming to significantly enhance Nigeria’s economic landscape.”