Kwara state in North-Central Nigeria is emerging as a key player in supporting technological innovation and entrepreneurship.

The state government, at the conclusion of the three-day 7th Kwarabuild Tech Conference in Ilorin, the state capital, reaffirmed its dedication to creating a robust tech ecosystem.

Damilola Yusuf-Adelodun, The state commissioner for business, innovation, and technology, Yusuf-Adelodun, made this statement, noting that the event demonstrated the state’s commitment to youth empowerment and technical growth by bringing together experts, industry leaders, and more than 1,500 young people.

Read also: EBank launches InfoSec Academy to empower youths, drive digitalisation in Egypt

Yusuf-Adelodun says the state government has invested heavily in youth development and technology. She stressed that the Kwarabuild Tech Conference helped startups network and flourish.

Additionally, the commissioner reaffirmed that the government was still committed to working with tech experts, professionals, and entrepreneurs to solve important issues like funding, policymaking, and new program development.

Kwarabuild: a hub for collaboration and growth

Temi Kolawole, Managing Director of the Ilorin Innovation Hub, praised Kwarabuild for putting together the state’s most prominent tech event for young people.

“The Kwara government consistently supports individuals and groups committed to addressing youth challenges. We are focused on empowering our youth on a massive scale,” Kolawole stated.

Engineer Taofik Abdulkareem of Plat Technology Limited, Temi Kolawole of the Ilorin Innovation Hub, and Olushola Gegele of Premium BlInnovation and Investment Limited were some of the experts who spoke on panels.

Thanks to these professionals, participants now have a better understanding of the prospects available in the fields of technology, agriculture, and business.

Empowering youth for economic independence

Kwarabuild Co-Founder Ibraheem Zulkifli announced that 1,500 youngsters from the North Central region and beyond attended the two-day pre-conference workshop in his opening comments.

He stated that the training was intended to encourage economic empowerment and technological independence.

“Our goal is to uncover hidden talents among these participants and equip them with the tools to achieve self-dependence,” Zulkifli declared.

He urged the state government and stakeholders to work together to help youth escape poverty and unemployment.

Zulkifli added that participants received instruction on distinguishing and resolving a variety of technology issues during the event that took place on both days.

Read also: Lagos launches second phase of digital skills training, targets one million youths by 2030

He also praised the state government for fostering youth development, stating, “Kwara State has never experienced this level of support before. We are truly grateful.”

Adeola Olaleye, an Abuja-based co-founder, stated, “Our platform provides an avenue for youths to discover and harness their talents.”

Salahudeen AbdulRauf and Kulepa Boluwatife were among the participants who expressed their appreciation for the program, claiming that it significantly impacted their understanding of technology and the development of computer software.

The 7th Kwarabuild Tech Conference highlighted Kwara State’s ambition to become Nigeria’s technology and innovation hub. The state fosters a vibrant tech ecosystem by investing in youth development and supporting startups. As participants leverage the skills and connections gained from the event, Kwara’s ongoing commitment to nurturing talent and addressing challenges positions the region for a promising future in the tech industry.