Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, Chair of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security, attended the Demo Day for Cohort 3 of the Idea Hatch (IHATCH) initiative, a program backed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

The event featured innovative business concepts from Nigerian entrepreneurs who completed an intensive five-month coaching and training program.

In his speech, Senator Salisu praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing youth empowerment in science, technology, and innovation. He highlighted the vital role of technology in Nigeria’s development, saying, “Technology is not just our future; it is our present.”

The IHATCH initiative, managed by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) under the leadership of Director General and CEO, Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, focuses on refining business ideas and creating flexible business models.

Senator Salisu promised that the Senate would continue to support the executive branch’s vision for a digitally-focused Nigeria, stressing the importance of partnership in realizing this vision.

The Demo Day showcased the capability of Nigerian entrepreneurs to drive innovation and economic growth, with the IHATCH program acting as a key enabler for their success.