A release signed by Lucky Musonda quoted the UNDP country director Sam Bwalya as stating that the “innovation has potential to significantly contribute to addressing urgent development challenges in Nigeria; from youth unemployment and inequality to enhancing efficiency in the delivery of public services.”
The two institutions entered into the agreement as an expression of interest to work together and promote innovation in designing solutions for the country’s development challenges after both Bwalya and Mosope Olaosebikan, founder of civic foundation signed the memorandum of understanding on June 26, 2018, at UNDP office.
The two organisations the release noted intend to work together in promoting innovation activities, especially among the youth – within the context of UNDP’s flagship initiative, the Youth Employability, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programme.
“This programme is aimed at promoting innovation and entrepreneurship as key drivers of economic growth, productivity and employment. With over 40% of youths in Nigeria unemployed, the programme also aims at enhancing their skill levels so that they are employable.
ALSO READ: I’m alone in government, my appointees have abandoned me ―Ortom
“As the lead agency is supporting the Government of Nigeria in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UNDP Nigeria intends to work with the Civic Foundation for Innovation in promoting innovation in the implementation of the SDGs at both Federal and State levels at which different ideas with potential to accelerate and contribute to governments efforts aimed at keeping the country’s SDGs promise will be explored.
“With numerous challenges faced by startups in turning their ideas into viable businesses, the two institutions will also work together in identifying and promoting access to innovative sources of finance for innovations and commercialization of inventions. Additionally, efforts will be made aimed at strengthening capacities of the startups, innovation hubs and innovators across the country,” said the release.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Bwalya pointed out that he was looking forward to seeing the country’s youth come forward with ideas that will help address the numerous challenges Nigeria continues to face.
“There are millions of creative minds out there; they need support in turning their ideas into solutions and viable businesses,” he emphasized.
Olaosebikan added that since its establishment, his organisation had undertaken several activities that helped strengthen the startup ecosystem and that a partnership with UNDP will significantly enhance the national momentum aimed at moving the innovation agenda forward.
The two organisations also agreed to hold Annual Innovation Awards to recognize innovative ideas with the potential to help address the country’s challenges.
Lucky also added that there is a plan to create an innovation hob in the north east of Nigeria and the government has conducted some competitions that could help in the support of clear cases that needs support by his Agency.
“We are just demonstrating our support in the promotion of innovation for skills, indeed when the young people are busy, it would be difficult for them to compromise their youthful energy. There is a direct relationship between innovation and entrepreneurship so we expect lots of fallouts of this MOU.” Said Lucky in a phone chat with Tribune Online.
and then