Kashifu Abdullahi Advises YIN Members To Key Into Various NITDA Programs

 

Members of Young Innovators of Nigeria, an umbrella body that coordinate the activities of young Nigerians who are blazing the trails by providing IT solutions in country have been enjoined to key into various National information Technology Development Agency’s (NITDA) programs in order to get the necessary supports and patronages for their solutions.

This advice is handed down to them by the NITDA Director General, Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi when the members of the organisation paid him a congratulatory visit today at the Agency Corporate Headquarter, Abuja.

Mallam Abdullahi stated that NITDA is not oblivious of the challenges facing start-ups in the country but “a lot is being done to provide a level playing field for the startups to compete favourably with the established organisations.”

“I know the procurement law is not favourable to the startups but the outbreak of COVID 19 has changed the narrative because some of the big companies too are affected by the pandemic. I want challenge you to take the advantage because the pandemic has given you opportunity to grow with the big company,” he counseled.

While assuring them of the commitment of the Agency to protect the startups, the DG affirmed that the Agency is interested in formulating policies that will protect them. “We are focused to build a startups nation where innovative ideas and solutions provided by the youths are given high premium and introduce to government agencies.

The DG however advised them to key into programs like National Adopted Village for Smart Agriculture and innovative challenges that the agency is planning to commence every quarter.

Earlier, the President of the YIN, Mr. Muyiwa Ajiboye said the organisation was at the Agency to felicitate with Mallam Abdullahi over his achievements in the short time at the saddle of the affairs in the Agency.

He said, “We came to officially congratulate and bring you news of good tiding that we are not unaware of what you have achieved in this short time in the saddle of affairs at Agency. Your impact has been felt beyond a reasonable doubt.”

Mr. Ajiboye disclosed that “a lot is going on out there to complement what NITDA is doing to place the nation among comity of countries that are developing their economies through digital skills. He assured the DG that his members would continue to come up with solutions that can impact on the economy positively.