IHS Nigeria, a leading telecommunications infrastructure provider, has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the Ilorin Innovation Hub into a premier technology and talent development hub for North-Central Nigeria. The company envisions the Hub as a catalyst for creating future billion-dollar ventures (unicorns ) and attracting young innovators from Kwara State and neighboring regions.

This pledge was emphasized during a virtual town hall organized by the Ilorin Innovation Hub, themed "From Ilorin to the World: Building a Globally Recognized Technology Hub." Mr. Kazeem Oladepo, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of IHS Nigeria, underscored the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and community engagement in fostering the next wave of tech entrepreneurs.

He stated: "Our partnership with the Ilorin Innovation Hub is about more than infrastructure - it's about creating ecosystems that empower startups and innovators to scale their ideas regionally and globally."

The event brought together stakeholders, innovators, and policymakers to discuss strategies for positioning the Hub as a regional tech powerhouse.

"We see the Ilorin Innovation Hub as a platform to attract top talent not just from Ilorin, but from across the region's tertiary institutions and tech ecosystem," Oladepo said. "This is an opportunity to build globally impactful companies by harnessing local brilliance with global insight".

Mr. Temi Kolawole, Managing Director/CEO of the Ilorin Innovation Hub, described the town hall as a homecoming for top minds with roots in Kwara State.

"This is a convergence of visionaries, people who have built, scaled, and invested in world-class companies, now giving back to shape a collective future," Kolawole said. "Our partnership with IHS Nigeria exemplifies what is possible when public sector ambition meets private sector expertise."

Responding to a participant's question on how individuals could contribute towards the growth of the hub, Mr. Oladepo encouraged industry experts present to engage directly with the Hub's programme managers" future Africa and Cc-Hub, provide mentorship, and help in aligning the training modules with local and global market realities.

"IHS is already investing financial, technical, and intellectual resources into the Hub. But to truly thrive, we need champions within the ecosystem, mentors who have built real businesses to guide young people as they develop transformative ideas," he noted.

Highlighting long-term sustainability, Oladepo called for the inclusion of successful professionals and entrepreneurs, in the Hub's activities to ensure relevance and adaptability.

"We see the Ilorin Innovation Hub as a platform to attract top talent not just from Ilorin, but from across the region's tertiary institutions and tech ecosystem," Oladepo said. "This is an opportunity to build globally impactful companies by harnessing local brilliance with global insight".

Mr. Temi Kolawole, Managing Director/CEO of the Ilorin Innovation Hub, described the town hall as a homecoming for top minds with roots in Kwara State.

"This is a convergence of visionaries, people who have built, scaled, and invested in world-class companies, now giving back to shape a collective future," Kolawole said. "Our partnership with IHS Nigeria exemplifies what is possible when public sector ambition meets private sector expertise."

Responding to a participant's question on how individuals could contribute towards the growth of the hub, Mr. Oladepo encouraged industry experts present to engage directly with the Hub's programme managers" future Africa and Cc-Hub, provide mentorship, and help in aligning the training modules with local and global market realities.

"IHS is already investing financial, technical, and intellectual resources into the Hub. But to truly thrive, we need champions within the ecosystem, mentors who have built real businesses to guide young people as they develop transformative ideas," he noted.

Highlighting long-term sustainability, Oladepo called for the inclusion of successful professionals and entrepreneurs, in the Hub's activities to ensure relevance and adaptability.

Let's bring in those who have succeeded in fields like e-commerce, logistics, Health tech, and Data Mining. Their insights can help refine the Hub's programs and ensure participants extract real value," he added.

Other speakers at the session included Ms. Anu Adasolum, Founder & CEO of Sabi, and Mr. Chris Folayan, Founder of Founder Centered. The virtual town hall was well attended with participants including tech enthusiasts, founders, startups drawn from both within and outside Nigeria.