The Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency, (NITDA), Mr. Kashifu Inuwa has described Nigeria as a fertile ground on which Startups could explore to thrive and provide solutions that could solve myriad of problems bedevilling the nation.

The DG who was represented by the Director of Information Technology
Infrastructure Solutions, Dr Abdullahi Gambo while addressing the startups who are undergoing a one week StartUp Clinic in Kebbi, Jigawa State.

The Startup Clinic, Kebbi (Online) with 18 participants was the second in the series of virtual Start Up Clinic programme which has become the norm since the lockdown caused by COVID 19 in order to keep engaging the tech ecosystem.

Inuwa said that the government is aware of the economic benefits and contributions of technology entrepreneurship to the nation’s economy, hence the pursuant of reforms that would bring about improved skills and more competitive digital job market.

He said: “We are committed to ensuring that you succeed because when start up thrives, jobs are created, local content is promoted and used, peers are inspired to try and a chain reaction is activated.”

The NITDA boss added that this would gradually move many youths away from job chasers to job creators and dependence on government would reduced with resultant effect of increased Gross Domestic Products (GDP).

He reiterated that the development of a thriving and sustainable technology and innovation ecosystem are key economic drivers for the nation noting that the leadership of the nation is seeking to minimize dependence on oil by diversifying the economy.

While assuring that NITDA would support policies and public-private partnership that would stimulate and sustain the demand for the use of digital platforms,
the DG observed that such policies and partnership would foster growth of innovative technology which would create more jobs and contribute to their doggedness and determination they have expressed thus far.

Abdullahi noted that: “Being at the event means that you are determined to create solutions that tackle the most pressing societal issues.

It also means you have taken on the tedious journey of being innovators and entrepreneurs.

“As a startup, the most popular words you hear include capital, investment, equity and being consistent.

All these are important but more importantly, you would require passion. This is because passion keeps you going during the turbulent time.

As the lead innovator, if you are not passionate about what your start up has set out to achieve, you are more likely to quit when the chips are down.”

He expressed optimism that: “The start ups would succeed if they take cognisance of what the Clinics offered them by evaluating their enterprise and make review to their model where necessary, accessing the mentors and facilitators to help with Pro Bono professional services, advice and mentorship among others practical approach measures.”

The National Coordinator, Office for ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Amina Magaji -Sambo whose office is saddled with organising the Clinics advised the startups to keep engaging with the office through its various social media platforms.

She said that: “There are many opportunities the start up could benefit from her office adding that the
office would soon commence special support scheme and also find way to access the the federal
government technological grant which the start ups can also access.”

Participants at the startup clinic noted that the various courses taken in the last four days have impacted on their business ideas and redefined their focus on how to achieve
success.

An agriculturist innovator who was also participant ,Mr. Sodiq Abdulfati, said he has discovered the solutions to his major challenge of how to identify target customer with add on the model on how to get the target customer.

“So far, the past four days have been a turning point of my business. I have learnt how to identify people and model that will work in my community,” He added.

By Suzan O