Deputy Governor CBN, Mr. Adebisi Shonubi

The Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mr. Adebisi Shonubi, has called for the creation of more technology hubs in the country to further help grow the economy.

Shonubi said this while delivering the key note address at the unveiling of the Nest innovation tech Park in Lagos.
According to him, “Government needs to take the lead in providing enabling environments for start-ups and businesses to grow and to drive the human capacity development of our youth towards productivity through training, funding, mentoring and collaboration”.

We need to focus on the adoption of emerging technologies to create data-driven solutions that are innovative, futuristic, sustainable and commercially viable within the economy”, Shonubi said.
Former Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Adebiyi Mabadeje however emphasised the clear need for many more of these hubs to help techpreneurs.

He said there are many gaps to be bridged in assisting start-ups. “They have to know how to start a business, pitch and grow their business”.

Mabadeje however enjoined the government to come up with concise policies at all levels to support entrepreneurship so that people are able to access resources and start businesses that are relevant, sustainable and achievable. “It should be a lot more streamlined at all levels’, he said.

For Co-founder Oluwajoba Oloba, he noted that it is important for companies “like ours to create curriculum where people can come and learn things that can easily translate into cash for them”.

Oloba added that the problem with the education sector should not be left to the government alone. Education should be private-public sector driven.

On challenges facing start-ups in Nigeria he reiterated the need for adequate electricity supply in the country, saying power is very critical, but this problem/challenge is an avenue for us to create wealth and businesses that can impact the country just as it is with every other problem we may be facing”.

Story by: Theresa Igata