First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on Friday laid the foundation for a $10.4 million Renewed Hope Startup Hub in Abuja, reaffirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to empowering Nigerian youths through technological innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable job creation.

The facility, located In Wuye, Abuja, is being developed through a partnership between the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Japanese Government, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony, the First Lady described the project as a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to accelerate technological advancement, deepen digital inclusion and create opportunities for young Nigerians to participate competitively in the global digital economy.

She explained that the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places considerable emphasis on equipping young people with entrepreneurial skills, technological capabilities, and opportunities for economic independence.

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

In a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the First Lady urged young innovators and aspiring entrepreneurs to take advantage of the opportunities the facility would provide, expressing optimism that the hub would become a breeding ground for groundbreaking technological solutions and globally competitive enterprises.

“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”, she declared.

The First Lady commended the Japanese Government for its sustained development cooperation with Nigeria, particularly its contributions to programmes aimed at strengthening human capacity, technological advancement and economic opportunities.

She said the startup hub further demonstrated the productive relationship between the two countries and their shared commitment to harnessing Nigeria’s enormous potential in the digital economy.

“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”, she stated.

In his remarks, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NITDA, Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, disclosed that the investment in the innovation hub was estimated at $10.4 million, subject to prevailing currency conversion rates.

He explained that the project is part of a broader Japan-Nigeria initiative to strengthen the country’s startup ecosystem through infrastructure development, capacity building, knowledge transfer, and international collaboration.

According to him, the partnership between NITDA and JICA, which began in 2021, has focused on creating an enabling environment for technological innovation and entrepreneurship by connecting Nigerian startups with the expertise, resources and networks necessary for growth.

Abdullahi said the proposed facility would serve as a central platform for startup development, industry engagement and coordination among key players in the innovation ecosystem.

He explained that the hub would give young entrepreneurs and technology developers access to critical infrastructure, technical expertise, mentorship, and opportunities to collaborate with international partners.

The NITDA boss said these interventions would help bridge existing gaps in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, strengthen the capacity of indigenous technology companies and improve their prospects of competing in international markets.

“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”, he said.

Also speaking, the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Nigeria, particularly in education and technology.

The ambassador expressed satisfaction with Nigeria’s improving economic environment, noting that the development had encouraged Japan to explore further opportunities for cooperation and investment.

He assured that Japan would continue expanding its partnership with Nigeria in areas that promote human capital development, technological innovation, and sustainable economic growth. (The Nation)