In a bold move to boost innovation and entrepreneurship, the Kwara State Government has disbursed a total of $20,809 (₦30 million) to support local tech startups and innovators. The initiative, spearheaded by the Kwara State Innovation Hub (KWHub) under the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Technology, aims to strengthen the state’s growing tech ecosystem and empower young entrepreneurs to scale their solutions.
According to government officials, the funding forms part of Kwara’s broader digital economy strategy, which seeks to position the state as a regional technology hub in North Central Nigeria. The beneficiaries, selected from a pool of promising startups and innovation-driven enterprises, received grants to develop projects ranging from agritech and healthtech to edtech and fintech solutions.
During the presentation ceremony in Ilorin, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq emphasized that technology and innovation are vital drivers of the state’s future economy. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting youth-led businesses that can create jobs, solve local problems, and attract investment. “Our goal is to build a generation of innovators who will not only transform Kwara but also compete globally,” the governor stated.
The Kwara Innovation Hub has played a key role in nurturing the state’s startup scene through training programs, hackathons, and incubation initiatives, providing young talents with mentorship, technical skills, and access to investors.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the financial support, noting that the funding will enable them to expand operations, improve product development, and reach wider markets.
Industry experts have commended the initiative, describing it as a significant step toward bridging Nigeria’s innovation funding gap at the state level. With sustained investment and collaboration, Kwara’s growing tech ecosystem could soon emerge as a model for regional innovation across the country.
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