The Senior Executives Course (SEC) 46 of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos has paid a working visit to the ONEIH-KOLA BALOGUN TECHNOLOGY CENTER (O-KBTC), Offa, Kwara State.
Led by Air Vice Marshal A.I Adamu MNI, the delegation contained members sponsored by the Presidency, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria Army, Securities and Exchange Commission, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Immigration Service, Office of the Head of Service of the Federation, Nigeria Air Force, Association of National Accountants of Nigeria, Nigeria Medical Association, State Governments and more.
During his address, by Air Vice Marshal A.I Adamu said the delegation was in Kwara State to conduct research for the visibility plans for the year 2024.
“We are here in Kwara to conduct research on our theme of study for this year, which is ‘Digital Economy, Youth Empowerment, and Sustainable Job Creation In Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities’.
“At the beginning of every year, the Presidency always tasks the National Institute with an area of national importance to conduct a research and makes its findings. For this year, the theme or task given to us by the presidency is to interrogate the digital economy, youth empowerment and job creation in Nigeria. We are in Kwara State for one week to understudy the state and see how it is faring. We believe that Offa has a lot to offer in this regard. We have been to One Innovation Hub (ONEIH) and we are quite impressed.”
“We are happy that your Hub is key and very crucial to issues of digital economy which is the new concept Nigeria faces. We want to find out how your Hub is contributing to these in Offa, environs, Kwara State and Nigeria.
“We hope the information we get from you will enrich the report we will give the Presidency at the end of the course.
In response, the Chief Executive Officer of One Innovation Hub, Offa, Engr Taofeeq Olatinwo extended a warm welcome to the esteemed delegation led by Vice Air Marshal A.I Adamu Abdullahi, mni and Professor Haruna Dabiri, mni.
Represented by the ONEIH Chief Community Officer (CCO), Engr Abdulfatai Kolawole Yusuf, Engr Olatinwo acknowledged the gathering convened to explore the transformative potential of digital innovation, youth empowerment, and sustainable job creation.
He said the ONEIH aims to catapult the community into a Smart City within the next decade, disclosing that it is witnessing a surge in registrations, with over 5,000 youths from Offa and its environs enrolling for transformative technology training, with success stories abound.
Additionally, Engr Taofeeq Olatinwo said One Innovation Hub has outlined a strategic roadmap to advance research, development, and manufacturing in cutting-edge technologies such as PCB, Drone, Artifical Intelligence (AI) and robotics while leveraging the digital opportunity.
He reaffirmed that the Hub is committed to nurturing a world-class talent pool to drive Nigeria’s digital future while fostering partnerships with governmental bodies and educational institutions to accelerate technology adoption and commercialization.
Despite its promising trajectory, Olatinwo disclosed that the Hub faces challenges in meeting the surging demand with limited resources. To address this, the HUB appeals to the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies SEC 46 for support in acquiring essential equipment and funding to sustain its operations and empower trainees.
In conclusion, the visit marks a pivotal moment in the collaboration between ONEIH an the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, underscoring the shared commitment to driving innovation, fostering economic growth, and empowering Nigerian youth.