Remi Tinubu lays foundation for Renewed Hope Startup Hub, gives assurance of president Tinubu’s commitment to youth empowerment 

First Lady of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu has performed the Foundation Laying Ceremony of a state-of-the -art Renewed Hope Startup Hub in Wuye, Abuja.

The Hub is partnership between the National Information Technology Development Agency NITDA and the Government of Japan through its Japan International Cooperation Agency, JICA.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu described the Hub as yet another important step towards technological advancement, youth empowerment and digital inclusion for youth across the nation.

“The establishment of start-up hubs across the nation aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which prioritizes youth empowerment through entrepreneurship, skills development and sustainable job creation, equipping young Nigerians to compete and thrive in the global economy”.

“To our young innovators, this Start-Up Hub is yours. You can arrive here with a sketch and leave with a working prototype that takes you into the global market space. Let this hub be the home where your dreams are nurtured and scaled”.

The First Lady commended the collaboration between the government of Japan and Nigeria which she noted with admiration that it birthed the Startup Hub and many other developmental projects and initiatives.

“I want to acknowledge and express our appreciation to the Government of Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), for providing the strategic grant that has made this intervention possible. This partnership highlights the mutual belief in the vast, untapped potential of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and our vibrant youth population”.

In his remarks, the DG/CEO of NITDA Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi noted that since 2021, the partnership between the organisation and JICA focused on strengthening Nigeria’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem through capacity building, knowledge transfer, infrastructure development and international collaboration.

He said the proposed facility is intended to serve as a focal point for startup development, industry engagement and innovation ecosystem coordination that will strengthen access to infrastructure, technical expertise, mentorship and opportunities for collaboration between Nigerian innovators and international partners.

“This partnership is an investment of approximately US$10.4 million depending on the conversion rate for the innovation hub. The project is also presented as part of a broader Japan–Nigeria startup ecosystem support initiative involving complementary financing mechanisms”.

The Japan Ambassador to Nigeria Suzuki Hideo promised that with the improved economic atmosphere in the country, Japan is pleased to continue to expand its partnerships with Nigeria especially in the areas of Education and Technology.
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