NBTI Director General Engage National Assembly for Tech Dev.
Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, Director General/CEO of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), on Thursday February 6 met with the Oyo State Caucus in the National Assembly to discuss strategic collaboration that will drive technological innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development in Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
The high-level meeting, chaired by Distinguished Senator AbdulFatai Omotayo Buhari, PhD, and coordinated by Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Kareem Abisodun Weere, Secretary of the Caucus, had in attendance key lawmakers, including Distinguished Senator Yunus Akintunde, Senator Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli, Rt. Hon. Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi, Rt. Hon. Aderemi Oseni, Rt. Hon. Olaide Mohammed, Rt. Hon. Shina Oyedeji, Rt. Hon. Anthony Adebayo Adepoju and Rt. Hon. Tolu Sadipe.
Collaboration for Grassroots Innovation and Economic Growth
Dr. Raji emphasized the critical role of technology incubation in fostering economic growth, job creation, and youth empowerment. He urged the National Assembly members to partner with NBTI in supporting technology incubation programs that would benefit their constituents, particularly by nurturing young entrepreneurs, commercializing research, and providing essential infrastructure for startups.
“The National Board for Technology Incubation is committed to transforming ideas into thriving businesses. By working together, we can empower youths and entrepreneurs in Oyo State to compete on a global stage, create wealth, and reduce unemployment,” Dr. Raji stated.
A Nigerian Success Story: $1 Million Zayed Sustainability Prize Winner
Highlighting the impact of NBTI’s initiatives, Dr. Raji shared the inspiring story of Mr. Abdulateef Olaosebikan, an incubatee of NBTI, who recently made Nigeria proud by winning the $1 million Zayed Sustainability Prize in the Food Category in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on January 14, 2025. Mr. Olaosebikan’s innovative solution outperformed 5,980 global applicants, demonstrating the untapped potential within Nigeria’s youth when given the right support and platform.
“If one of our incubatees can achieve such global recognition, imagine the possibilities if we scale up these programs across Oyo State. Our youths have the talent and ingenuity; what they need is the right environment to thrive,” Dr. Raji added.
Commitment from the Oyo State National Assembly Caucus
The Oyo State lawmakers expressed strong support for NBTI’s mission, acknowledging the enormous potential of technology incubation in driving development. They pledged to explore legislative and policy frameworks that will strengthen NBTI’s activities, provide funding, and ensure that Oyo State benefits from technology incubation centers and entrepreneurship development programs.
Senator Buhari reaffirmed the Caucus’s commitment, stating, “We recognize the importance of technology-driven innovation in transforming our economy. We are ready to work with NBTI to ensure that our people, especially the youth, can access the opportunities that technology incubation offers.”
Call to Action
Dr. Raji concluded by urging all stakeholders—government agencies, private sector players, and international partners—to support technology incubation as a national development priority. He assured that NBTI remains dedicated to expanding opportunities, fostering homegrown innovation, and positioning Nigeria as a global leader in technology-driven entrepreneurship.
This engagement marks a significant step toward a stronger partnership between NBTI and the National Assembly to drive technological and economic transformation across the country.
