By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Vice-President, Kashim Shettima has charged Nigerians to support the Israel-Nigeria Innovation Fellowship for Aspiring Inventors and Researchers (i-FAIR) initiative in order to advance the transformation agenda of the country.
Shettima gave the charge at the third i-FAIR cohorts graduation ceremony of the nine-month mentorship programme for budding innovators and entrepreneurs held at Innov8 Hub on Airport Roa, Abuja on Thursday.
The vice-president who was represented by Mr Tope Fasua, the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs in the Office of the Vice-President, commendded the graduands for boosting the Nigerian population efforts to achieve the transformation agenda of the Federal Government.
Shettima said. “We live in a kinetically dynamic and digital world, where we are seeing today’s reality and tomorrow’s innovation by power of technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, internet and others.
“We commend the Innov8Hub for what it has been doing so far amongst our youth and the innovative at heart. We have seen numerous innovative display, many of which have been commercialized and are having impact on Nigeria and beyond.
“We believe this is merely the beginning, I appeal to all and sundry to show maximal support to the idea behind the hub, as it is indeed transformative. Our very survival in a fast paced world depends on it.”
In his opening remarks, the Ambassador of Israel to Nigeria, Michael Freeman said the programme comprised twelve companies spanning health, climate change, and agriculture, which embodies the spirit of innovation and resilience.
He disclosed that I-FAIR was established by the Israeli embassy in collaboration with the Nigerian government an initiative that “epitomizes the collaboration and innovation pivotal to the Israel-Nigeria relationship”.
According to Freeman, “President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda resonates deeply with the ethos of the i-FAIR programme in championing empowerment, growth, and prosperity for Nigeria”.
“This is with a focus on nurturing the talents of our youth, this programme aligns seamlessly with President Tinubu’s vision of propelling Nigeria towards excellence, notably in digital economy where job creation is paramount”, the Ambassador further stated.
He attributed success so far achieved to invaluable partnership by the embassy with TetFund, Air Peace and Zell Innov8 and other collaborators, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in shaping the transformative journey.
“Our graduating cohort, comprising twelve companies spanning health, climate change, and agriculture, embodies the spirit of innovation and resilience. These trailblazing entrepreneurs have not only devised groundbreaking solutions to global challenges but also showcased Nigeria’s potential as a nexus of manufacturing and innovation.
“Behind the success of this program lie our invaluable partners and leaders. I extend heartfelt gratitude to TetFund, Air Peace, Zell Innov8, and all collaborators, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in shaping this transformative journey.
“The symbiotic collaboration between mentors from Israel and Nigeria underscores the power of partnership in fostering knowledge exchange and mentorship”, Freeman added.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb Yusuf Tuggar, represented by Amb. Akinremi Bolaji, Director, Economic, Trade and Investment at the ministry, commended the success of the programme to the partnership between Israel and Nigeria.
Tuggar said, “This is evidence of innovation. We have no doubt this government and the administration standout as the most innovative government Nigeria ever had.
“It is pertinent to mention that the idea of I-FAIR is predicated on the need to overcome domestic challenges with innovative made in-Nigeria solutions tailored around inspiring Nigeria to become a start-up nation”, he said.
