Category: Visits

Innov8 Hub was honoured to host a delegation from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation. This visit was led by the Permanent Secretary of Special Duties, Dr. Magdalene N. Ajani. This exciting visit centered on building a strong partnership to cultivate a culture of innovation within Nigeria’s civil service.

A Shared Vision for Progress

The OHCSF has a commendable track record of promoting innovation through their ongoing initiative, a Civil Service Innovation Competition. This competition, currently in its fourth edition, has successfully generated over 13 innovative ideas with each iteration. However, the delegates acknowledged the potential for these ideas to become stale without proper technical and business support. To bridge this gap, they expressed their desire to collaborate with reputable hubs like Innov8 Hub to transform these ideas into Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) and beyond, ensuring their lasting impact.

The meeting began with introductions from both parties. The Innov8 team, led by the Managing Director and Deputy General Manager, warmly welcomed the delegation. Dr. Ajani then introduced the team from the Office of the Head of Service.

Civil Service Meets Innovation

Following introductions, the agenda shifted to a comprehensive tour of Innov8 Hub. The delegates were thrilled to explore the facilities, meet with resident technical experts, and gain firsthand experience with Innov8 Hub’s expertise, equipment, and resources.

Upon returning from the tour, the delegates and the Innov8 team reconvened for a roundtable discussion. The Head of Venture Programs delivered a presentation that provided an in-depth overview of Innov8 Hub. The presentation highlighted the hub’s progress since its inception, its core programs and activities, and the many milestones it has achieved.

An engaging Q&A session followed the presentation, fostering an interactive conversation centered on the most effective strategies for collaboration and partnership between the Office of the Head of Civil Service and Innov8 Hub. This discussion paved the way for a promising future collaboration that will undoubtedly propel innovation within Nigeria’s civil service and beyond.

Senator Anyim Pius Anyim Introduction:

As the spirit of innovation continues to flourish throughout Nigeria, Innov8 Hub finds itself at the forefront, attracting nationwide recognition. Recently, we had the honor of hosting a visit from a distinguished guest: Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, who served as Senate President from 2000 to 2003 and as Secretary to the Government of the Federation from 2011 to 2015.

An Unforgettable Tour

On April 29th, 2023, Senator Anyim embarked on a visit to Innov8 Hub. This visit stemmed from a keen interest in witnessing firsthand the incredible work we accomplish.  During his visit, the former Senate President was provided with a comprehensive tour of our facilities. This tour showcased the impactful Impact Labs, where we bring to life a majority of our remarkable prototypes.  As he navigated through our Hub, Senator Anyim had the opportunity to engage with our experts and fully immerse himself in the inspiring environment that fosters innovation and creativity.

Following the insightful tour, the management team of Innov8 Hub held a private session. During this meeting, the Deputy General Manager delivered a captivating presentation that elucidated the vision that underpins Innov8 Hub’s mission. Innov8 Hub actively works to cultivate a culture of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit within Nigeria.

Collaborate With Us

Together, let’s make a lasting impact on Nigerian society.  Visit our website today to learn more about the many ways you can collaborate with Innov8 Hub: www.innov8hub.ng

Highlights

•  Innov8 Hub is a leading organization that fosters innovation and collaboration in Nigeria.

• Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, a distinguished former government official, recently visited Innov8 Hub to witness the impactful work being accomplished.
• Innov8 Hub is committed to supporting innovators, inventors, researchers, creative minds, and entrepreneurs.
• The organization offers a variety of programs and services to help people turn their ideas into businesses.
• Partner with Innov8 Hub to make a lasting impact on Nigerian society.

Introduction

As part of the mandate of establishing an ecosystem of innovation, start-up incubation and venture creation through partnerships & collaboration, Innov8 Hub extended a cordial welcome to David Greene, the Acting Ambassador of the United States of America to Nigeria, and his team, as they paid a courtesy visit.

Neta Hanien, Head of Programs & Partnerships at Innov8 Hub, gave an overview of the Hub’s mission. She also unveiled the Hub’s programs, milestones, and initiatives. Both teams, fueled by a shared vision for progress and sustainable development, explored potential collaborations. These partnerships & collaboration can foster innovation, venture creation & entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

Beyond the Boardroom: Unveiling the Powerhouse of Innovation

Stepping beyond the conference room, Ambassador Greene and his team embarked on a comprehensive tour of the Hub. They were guided through the facilities at the Hub. They also where they witnessed first-hand, the transformative power of innovation and sustainable practices.

A Spark Across Borders: Igniting a Future of Collaboration

Ambassador Greene’s visit wasn’t just a courtesy call; it was an impactful moment that displayed the immense potential that lies in cross-border collaboration. It was a testament to the fact that when different corners of the world come together, the possibilities are truly boundless. Innov8 Hub is eager to share its journey with the world and weave collaborative threads that extend far beyond its walls.

The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken during his first official trip to Sub-Saharan Africa, visited Innov8 Hub, Abuja, Nigeria; to encourage Innovation, Research and Development in Africa, which he strongly believes will promote a more inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the continent.

Deji, thank you.  Thank you so much.  I think that’s the best introduction I’ve ever gotten.  (Laughter.)  I’m glad it’s being recorded.  I want to be able to replay it.

Listen, it’s particularly a pleasure for me to be here this afternoon.  When I was last in Nigeria a few years ago, two things really struck me.  One, of course, was the incredibly vibrant civil society that we see in this country, and I had an opportunity to talk to some of its leaders just a short while ago.  But the other thing that really struck me the last time I was here was a remarkable spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, something that I had some experience in seeing when I was here, and I was really eager to come here and, in a sense, see where things are – both to see some of the incredible innovative work that’s been done, but also to try and understand what the environment is like for innovation and entrepreneurship and how that can be made even better going forward. 

So, I really wanted to hear from people who are on the front lines of this work, not only having great ideas but, as Deji said, finding ways to make them real and to bring them to market. So, I want to spend a little bit of time both seeing some of these remarkable things that I think we’re about to see. but also hearing from colleagues about how they’ve gotten to the place they’re at – and how we and they can do even more to build this culture of innovation and entrepreneurship that’s already so powerful here in Nigeria.

Antony Blinken

Speaking at the event, Deji Ige who introduced Secretary Blinken and Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard, said Innov8 Hub is a focal point for Innovation Start-up, Incubation, Technology Transfer, Skill Impartation, Prototype development and Fabrication in Nigeria.

“This is a place where ideas are transformed into invention, invention into solution, solution into start-up”.  

Deji Ige

In an interview with the press, the founder of Innov8 Hub Professor Gregory Ibe reiterated his commitment to innovation start-up and creation of an ecosystem of innovators and inventors in Nigeria. 

At the event, some innovative start-ups such as Zipline, Outsource Global, Hotspot and i-FAIR Israel Nigeria innovations were showcased.