Edo State Government, through its skills development arm, Edojobs, is set to launch the first ever state-backed innovation hub, to activate and drive the state’s fledging technology ecosystem.
The hub set for launch on June 14, would be run in partnership with Nigeria’s leading technology-based organisations, such as Siemens, Tech4Dev, Microsoft, Impact Hub, Curators University (an American University) and HotelsNg, among others. Over 1,000 youths will be trained based on their interest in data management, programming, basic digital skills, and artificial intelligence.
The hub, to be known as Edo Innovation Hub, is to be located at the Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) in Benin, which is currently being renovated.
Governor Godwin Obaseki said the innovation hub will serve as a facility for training youths in the state and as a centre for follow-up trainings for youths, who are participating in similar training programmes organised by the state government through its skills development arm, popularly known as EdoJobs.
He said: “Services on offer by the firms include an incubation and pre-incubation programme, acceleration programme, business clinics and co-working facilities.
“Innovation Hub will be equipped with thousands of computers supported with high-speed connectivity.
“The hub is expected to play a major role in the realisation of Obaseki’s campaign promise to put an end to unemployment in Edo State by providing 200,000 jobs.”
Head of EdoJobs and Senior Special Asistant (SSA) to the Governor on Skills Development and Job Creation, Mrs, Ukinebo Dare, said the innovation hub would open up the space for the development of critical manpower for Edo’s burgeoning investment climate.