BOI Establishes 15 Tech Hubs, Supports Young Fashion Entrepreneurs with Solar Power Installation
Dike Onwuamaeze The Bank of Industry (BOI) has said that it created 15 tech and innovation hubs across the country, which have impacted over 9,220 aspiring entrepreneurs and led to
The Bank of Industry (BOI) has established 15 tech and innovation hubs across Nigeria, impacting over 9,220 aspiring entrepreneurs and leading to the creation of 950 startups since 2018. Dr. Olasupo Olusi, BOI's Managing Director and CEO, revealed this during an interview with newsmen in Lagos, highlighting that the initiative is part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
The objective of the bank's funding and sponsorship of these tech/innovation hubs is to foster talent, drive economic development, and encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing, with the aim of empowering entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into reality. Through hackathons and incubation programs, BOI assists individuals in unlocking their potential, driving positive change in their communities, and contributing to vibrant ecosystems that attract investments, create jobs, and spur entrepreneurship.
Speaking on the significance of the tech and innovation hubs, Dr. Olusi explained that these hubs facilitate cross-pollination of ideas, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and foster a culture of open innovation. He further emphasized that through networking events, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions, BOI creates opportunities for meaningful connections and collective learning, driving innovation at scale.
Lead Youth and Skills Thematic Champion at BOI, Mrs. Aderonke Akinluyi, shed light on how the installation of solar power in fashion hubs addresses practical barriers that prevent young Nigerians from turning their skills into sustainable enterprises. She explained that reliable power is crucial for the productivity, competitiveness, and overall livelihood of entrepreneurs.
By providing clean and dependable energy, BOI is helping fashion entrepreneurs reduce their operating costs, increase profit margins, and boost customer confidence.
Adebayo Kafayat Adebukonla, Secretary of Lagos Island Artisans, shared the positive impact of the solar installation on fashion entrepreneurs. He noted that constant power outages had previously made it difficult for them to meet deadlines and grow their businesses. However, with the reliable and steady electricity supply, they can now deliver finished clothes to customers on time, reduce their carbon footprint, and inspire more young people in their community to pursue careers in fashion design.
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