1.Introduction
The Technology Incubation Centre (TIC), Ile-Ife, participated in a strategic stakeholders’ engagement hosted by the Permanent Secretary, Osun State Ministry of Innovation, Science, Technology and Digital Economy, Mrs. Olubukola Jolayemi, to formally receive and interact with shortlisted innovators from Osun State for the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2026.
The meeting, held in the office of the Permanent Secretary, provided a platform for the innovators to showcase their products and innovative solutions while receiving valuable feedback and encouragement ahead of the national stage of the competition.
The engagement further underscored the shared commitment of the Osun State Government and the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and technology-driven economic development.
2.Attendance
The meeting was hosted by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Olubukola Jolayemi.
Also in attendance were:
- Mr. Lateef Olatoke Ajibaye, Director, Technology, who served as the moderator of the programme.
- Mrs. Oyeronke Akinola-Abolade, Director, Finance and Accounts.
- Mrs. Lateefat Abolanle Olanrewaju, Director, Innovation and Science.
- Mr. Kamoru Lasisi, Centre Manager, Technology Incubation Centre, Ile-Ife.
- Members of staff of the Technology Incubation Centre, Ile-Ife.
- Five (5) of the thirteen (13) successful innovators shortlisted from Osun State for the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2026. 3.Programme Highlights
The programme commenced with a welcome address by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Olubukola Jolayemi, who warmly welcomed all participants and commended the shortlisted innovators for distinguishing themselves during the selection process. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting innovation and creating an enabling environment for young innovators and entrepreneurs in Osun State.
Thereafter, the Centre Manager, Technology Incubation Centre, Ile-Ife, Mr. Kamoru Lasisi, appreciated the Permanent Secretary for providing the platform for the engagement. He introduced members of staff of the Technology Incubation Centre, Ile-Ife, as well as the shortlisted innovators, and expressed confidence in their ability to represent Osun State creditably at the national stage of the competition.
The technical session was moderated by Mr. Lateef Olatoke Ajibaye, Director of Technology, who invited each innovator to make a presentation of his or her innovation.
The shortlisted innovators showcased innovative products and solutions across different sectors, explaining the problems their innovations seek to address, their uniqueness, potential impact and commercial viability. The presentations attracted constructive observations, questions and professional advice from the Permanent Secretary and Directors, all geared towards strengthening the innovators’ presentations ahead of the next phase of the competition.
During the interactive session, the innovators received words of encouragement and practical guidance on improving their presentations, refining their innovations and confidently projecting the innovative potential of Osun State at the national level.
It was noted that the successful innovators from Osun State would proceed to Abuja in the coming days to join other shortlisted innovators from across the Federation for the national stage of the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2026. Outstanding participants from the national stage will thereafter be selected to represent Nigeria at the grand finale in the United Kingdom later in the year.
4.Outcome of the Meeting
The meeting was highly interactive and successful, providing the innovators with an invaluable opportunity to present their innovations before key government officials and receive constructive feedback ahead of the national competition.
The engagement also strengthened collaboration between the Osun State Ministry of Innovation, Science, Technology and Digital Economy and the National Board for Technology Incubation in their shared commitment to promoting innovation, technology commercialization and entrepreneurship.
The innovators expressed appreciation for the opportunity and left the meeting better prepared and more confident for the forthcoming national stage of the competition.
5.Conclusion
Thereafter, the Centre Manager, Technology Incubation Centre, Ile-Ife, Mr. Kamoru Lasisi, delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), Engr. Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, FCIPM (UK), FPMR (UK). In his remarks, he expressed profound appreciation to the Permanent Secretary for graciously hosting the engagement and for her unwavering commitment to promoting innovation and supporting emerging innovators in Osun State.
The presentation session successfully achieved its objectives of preparing the shortlisted innovators for the next phase of the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2026 while fostering stronger collaboration between the Osun State Government and the Technology Incubation Centre, Ile-Ife.
The programme reaffirmed the commitment of the Osun State Government to supporting innovative ideas with high growth potential and further highlighted the strategic role of the Technology Incubation Centre in identifying, nurturing and promoting indigenous innovations capable of contributing to sustainable economic development.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Raji Kazeem Babatunde, Assistant Chief Technical Officer, Technology Incubation Centre, Ile-Ife, who expressed appreciation to the Permanent Secretary, Directors, innovators and all participants for their support towards the success of the engagement.
Prepared by:
Raji Kazeem Babatunde
Assistant Chief Technical Officer
Technology Incubation Centre, Ile-Ife
For:
Mr. Lasisi Kamoru,
Centre Manager,
Technology Incubation Centre, Ile-Ife.
