Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has advocated for a major transformation in Kano State’s economic approach, encouraging all involved parties to adopt innovation, technology, and teamwork as the key factors for progress in the 21st century.
This information was included in a press release jointly written by the Director of Corporate Communications & External Relations at NITDA, Hajia Hadiza Umar.
At the Kano Startup event, Mallam Abdullahi recognized Kano’s well-established status as the commercial hub of Northern Nigeria and the broader Sahelian area, highlighting that its legacy of trade, business activity, and skilled workforce offers a strong base for upcoming development.
Abdullahi highlighted that although these strengths contributed to Kano’s success over many years, the current economy presents even more possibilities via innovation and technology.
He characterized innovation as the method of turning concepts into meaningful solutions via commercialization, emphasizing that when ideas were properly implemented, they added value, addressed social issues, and fostered long-term economic development.
He observed that Kano’s extensive market, favorable location, and dynamic business environment put it in a good position to benefit from innovation-focused opportunities.
He stated: “Innovation refers to the journey of transforming an idea into tangible outcomes. An invention by itself is a financial burden, but once it is brought to market, turned into a product or service that addresses a genuine issue and delivers value, that is when economic growth and inclusion start to take shape.”
He observed that the state is home to many degree-granting institutions, which are owned at the federal, state, and private levels, offering a solid foundation for the growth of human resources.
Nevertheless, the NITDA Director General raised an issue that these organizations frequently functioned independently from the industry, with their research findings seldom leading to commercial or industrial uses.
He mentioned that creativity doesn’t arise in isolation and emphasized the importance of a robust, interlinked environment that unites universities, businesses, new ventures, business owners, and the public sector.
He stated that universities ought to carry out research aligned with the requirements of the industry, while industries should utilize research to enhance efficiency and competitiveness, and startups should act as the link that transforms concepts into commercially viable solutions.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).
jasdooit 
Leave a comment