Isola Moses
Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, urges stakeholders at the Kano Startup Weekend programme to embrace innovation, technology and collaboration as the drivers of growth in the 21st Century economy
In regard to the power of innovation in transforming ideas into impactful solutions, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has advocated a fundamental shift in the economic strategy of Kano State, Northern Nigeria.
The source reports that Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, stated this while speaking at the Kano Startup Weekend, in Kano State.
In his keynote address at the event, Inuwa urged stakeholders to embrace innovation, technology and collaboration as the drivers of growth in the 21st Century.
The Director-General of NITDA also acknowledged the state’s long-standing reputation as the commercial nerve centre of Northern Nigeria and the wider Sahelian region.
He equally affirmed that Kano’s history of trade, enterprise and human capital provides a solid foundation for future growth.
The Chief Executive of the Information Technology (IT) sector regulatory agency though said these strengths had powered the state’s success for centuries, however, the modern economy now offers far greater opportunities through innovation and technology.
How innovation transforms ideas into impactful solutions, by Inuwa
Emphasising that innovation remains the process of transforming ideas into impactful solutions through commercialisation, Inuwa noted when ideas are effectively deployed, they create value, solve societal challenges and generate sustainable economic growth.
Kano’s large market, strategic location and vibrant entrepreneurial culture place it in a strong position to take advantage of innovation-driven opportunities.
The NITDA Chef Executive further stated: “Innovation is the process of taking an idea from inception to impact.
“Invention on its own is a cost centre, but when you commercialise an idea, when you turn it into a product or service that solves a real problem and creates value, that is when you begin to drive economic growth and inclusion.”
He equally affirmed that Kano State hosts numerous degree-awarding institutions across Federal, state and private ownership, providing a strong base for human capital development.
Inuwa, however, expressed concern that such institutions often operate in isolation from industry, with research outputs rarely translating into commercial or industrial applications.
Innovation does not happen in silos, he averred, stressing the need for a strong, interconnected ecosystem that brings together academia, industry, startups, entrepreneurs and government.
He as well explained that Universities should conduct research informed by industry needs, industries should leverage research to improve productivity and competitiveness, and startups should serve as the bridge that converts ideas into market-ready solutions.
Advocating proactive move on the part of stakeholders in the state, Inuwa encouraged entrepreneurs to leverage technology to build businesses that could grow beyond local markets.
On innovation-driven enterprises in powering economies
As regards the power of innovation in activating economies around the world, the Director-General of NITDA further explained that innovation-driven enterprises have the power to scale rapidly, create jobs, and position Kano competitively at both national and global levels.
He disclosed that digital platforms and emerging technologies then make it easier for startups to reach wider markets and develop solutions that were previously unimaginable.
He declared: “You can start your business here in Kano, but your thinking must be global from day one. Technology has removed barriers.
“With the right skills and platforms, a startup in Kano can build solutions that serve not just Nigeria, but the world.”
Highlighting NITDA’s ongoing interventions, Inuwa outlined NITDA’s commitment to building national innovation capacity through targeted human capital development programmes.
Impact of Digital Literacy for All, 3MTT initiatives, others on economy
Referencing extant examples to buttress his points, Dr. Inuwa explained the NITDA Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative aims to equip Nigerians across all segments of society with essential digital skills, while the 3 Million Technical Talents (3MTT) programme is designed to produce a pipeline of globally competitive technical professionals in areas, such as software development, data analysis and emerging technologies.
“Through DL4ALL, we are ensuring that Nigerians at all levels have the basic digital skills needed to participate in the digital economy, while 3MTT is deliberately building a pipeline of globally competitive technical talents who can drive innovation, create jobs and attract investment,” he said.
The Chief Executive of NITDA asserted that DL4ALL and 3MTT programmes are key pillars of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He restated that the initiatives prioritise skills development, innovation, job creation and inclusive economic growth as pathways to national prosperity.
Empowering Nigerians with digital and technical skills, he stated, is essential for building a resilient economy capable of competing in the global digital landscape.
Inuwa also said: “President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is about investing in people, empowering them with relevant skills and creating opportunities for inclusive growth.
“At NITDA, we are using digital skills and innovation as tools to translate that vision into real economic impact for Nigerians.”
The Director-General urged all stakeholders in Kano State to work together to build a functional innovation ecosystem that could unlock the Northern state’s vast potential in the economy.
Inuwa, therefore, expressed confidence that with the right mindset, strong collaboration, and sustained investment in digital skills and innovation, Kano State of Nigeria could reclaim its “historic leadership role, and emerge as a major innovation and entrepreneurship hub in Nigeria and beyond.”
