In a significant development for technological innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria, Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, Director General and CEO of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), held a landmark meeting today with the Oyo State Caucus in the National Assembly. The gathering, focused on exploring strategic collaborations, aims to bolster technological innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development, both in Oyo State and across Nigeria.
The high-level meeting, which was chaired by Distinguished Senator AbdulFatai Omotayo Buhari, PhD, and coordinated by Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Kareem Abisodun Weere, Secretary of the Oyo State Caucus, brought together influential lawmakers. Notable attendees included Distinguished Senators Yunus Akintunde, Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli, and several members of the House of Representatives, including Rt. Hon. Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi, Rt. Hon. Aderemi Oseni, Rt. Hon. Olaide Mohammed, Rt. Hon. Shina Oyedeji, Rt. Hon. Anthony Adebayo Adepoju, and Rt. Hon. Tolu Sadipe.
During the session, Dr. Raji emphasized the pivotal role of technology incubation in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and empowering Nigeria’s youth. He called on the National Assembly members to work alongside NBTI to strengthen technology incubation programs, providing much-needed support to young entrepreneurs, enabling the commercialization of research, and ensuring the creation of robust infrastructure to foster the growth of startups. “The National Board for Technology Incubation is committed to turning innovative ideas into thriving businesses. Through collaboration, we can help empower youth and entrepreneurs in Oyo State, enabling them to compete globally, create wealth, and reduce unemployment,” said Dr. Raji.
Dr. Raji also spotlighted the remarkable success of one of NBTI’s incubatees, Mr. Abdulateef Olaosebikan, who recently made Nigeria proud by winning the prestigious $1 million Zayed Sustainability Prize in the Food Category at the Zayed Sustainability Award ceremony held in the United Arab Emirates on January 14, 2025. Olaosebikan’s innovative solution emerged victorious among 5,980 global applicants, showcasing the immense potential of Nigerian youth when given the right platform and support. “Mr. Olaosebikan’s success is a testament to what our youth can achieve with the right support. If one of our incubatees can earn such global recognition, imagine the possibilities if we scale up these programs across Oyo State. Our young people are brimming with talent and ingenuity; all they need is the right environment to flourish,” Dr. Raji said.
The Oyo State lawmakers expressed strong enthusiasm for NBTI’s mission, recognizing the transformative potential of technology incubation. The legislators pledged to explore legislative and policy frameworks to strengthen NBTI’s efforts, secure funding, and ensure the establishment of technology incubation centers and entrepreneurship development programs in Oyo State. Senator Buhari reinforced the Caucus’s dedication to advancing technological innovation, noting, “We understand the importance of technology-driven innovation in shaping our economy. We are committed to collaborating with NBTI to ensure our people, especially the youth, can harness the opportunities offered by technology incubation.”
Dr. Raji concluded by calling on all relevant stakeholders—government agencies, private sector players, and international partners—to prioritize technology incubation as a cornerstone of national development. He reaffirmed NBTI’s commitment to expanding opportunities, nurturing homegrown innovation, and positioning Nigeria as a global leader in technology-driven entrepreneurship. This high-level engagement marks an important milestone in strengthening the partnership between NBTI and the National Assembly, paving the way for a more technologically advanced and economically empowered Nigeria.
By fostering such strategic collaborations, Nigeria is set to unlock its vast potential, empower its youth, and drive sustainable economic transformation through technological innovation.
