Kwara State Partners with IHS Towers to Operate Ilorin Innovation Hub
Ilorin, Kwara State: The Kwara State Government and IHS Towers have formalized a partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of the Ilorin Innovation Hub.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, representing the Kwara State Government, and Mohamad Darwish, CEO of IHS Nigeria, signed the MoU in a ceremony attended by key officials. This collaboration marks a significant step towards developing a state-of-the-art technology and innovation facility in Kwara State.
Governor AbdulRazaq stated, “This collaboration aligns with our mission to drive socioeconomic growth and institutional advancement. We’re setting a new standard in our economy, focusing on education, healthcare, infrastructure, and ICT.”
IHS Towers, contributing both financial and technical expertise, will play a pivotal role in the completion, operation, and management of the Hub. The facility is envisioned to be a leading center for technology and innovation in Nigeria, focusing on fostering disruptive ideas and supporting startups.
Echoing this sentiment, Temi Kolawole, Managing Director of the Ilorin Innovation Hub, remarked on the synergy between the two entities: “This partnership has identified a mutual focal point in our shared passion for innovation, digital skill enhancement, and job creation. We’re committed to ensuring the Hub’s sustainability and leaving a legacy, fueled by Governor AbdulRahman’s vision for youth development, that will trigger state and national development.” He also mentioned the upcoming collaboration of the Ilorin Innovation Hub with the Federal Ministry of Communications Innovation and Digital Economy on various programs, with IHS Nigeria as a mutual partner. This partnership is anticipated to further enhance the Hub’s offerings and extend its impact.
The Chief Executive Officer, IHS Nigeria, Mohamad Darwish, noted that the signing of the MOU is a major step in the process of creating an enabling environment for networking between entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, business partners and experts from different sectors across Nigeria. These connections can lead to strategic partnerships, collaborations, and investment opportunities, driving growth and expansion in Kwara State and the country at large.
He thanked the State Government for its long history of support to IHS, lauding the Governor’s commitment and support to the deployment of digital infrastructure by providing enabling environment, whilst specifically citing the State’s free Right of Way regime for Fiber Optic Cable deployment, as a stellar example of its commitment to the removal of impediment to the growth of digital economy in the State. “With the signing of the MOU, the Kwara State Government and IHS are developing a plan with respect to the completion and operations of the Kwara State Government ICT Hub, including its strategic objectives, governance structure, operations plan, amongst others fine details of the partnership, with the key objective of bringing the hub into operation by the end of quarter two of year 2024.” said Darwish.
About the Ilorin Innovation Hub
The Ilorin Innovation Hub is a state-of-the-art innovation facility initiated by the Kwara State Government, located in Ilorin, Nigeria. This hub is designed to foster a conducive environment for youth, facilitating the learning of digital skills and supporting the growth of businesses through innovation and startup entrepreneurship. It stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to advancing technological proficiency and entrepreneurial spirit among the youth, positioning Kwara State as a hub for digital innovation and economic development.
About IHS Towers
IHS Towers is one of the largest independent owners, operators, and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world by tower count and is one of the largest independent multinational towercos solely focused on emerging markets. The Company has nearly 40,000 towers across its 11 markets, including Brazil, Cameroon, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Kuwait, Nigeria, Peru, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zambia. For more information, please email: communications@ihstowers.com or visit: www.ihstowers.com