We’ll Continue To Support Entrepreneurial Development Through Tech Hub- BOI

By Joshua Oladipo

The Bank Of Industry (BOI) has said that it would continue to support entrepreneurship development through tech hub among youths in the country.

Prof. Olasupo Olusi, the Managing Director , Bank Of Industry , said this on the sideline of the 2025 award of excellence” Innovations and Entrepreneurship Development” at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) campus in Ile-Ife,Osun.

The BOI Boss delivered a lecture titled ” Catalyzing Youth led Industrialisation through Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable
Development in Nigeria”.

The lecture emphasised the policy focus of the current administration under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu who is commitment to job creation, youth empowerment, and economic transformation as
encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He explained that nigeria must move beyond isolated initiatives to system-wide transformation that require alignment between policy, partnership, and platforms which unlock opportunities for millions.

According to him, the need to adopt youth-first industrial policies that addresses four core pillars which include skills , finance , Infrastructure and regulatory support becomes paramount.

” The four pillars will not only support today’s young industrialists but will also shape the nigeria we build tomorrow.”

” The vision of BOI for the next three years is already taking shape through several high-impact initiatives and vibrant policies

” BOI is launching the Industrial Innovation Fund alongside the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology and other stakeholders to finance the full innovation lifecycle from research grants and prototype development
to equity investments and debt financing.

” Also, to accelerate youth participation in the digital and creative sectors through skills and enterprise development,” Olusi said.

He noted that the Bank of Industry is launching Impact funds which would use various financial instruments from debt to equity and support high growth
enterprises, strategic value chain companies, and to provide support to struggling business across Nigeria.

The BOI Boss commended Obafemi Awolowo University authority for the prestigious award of excellence presented to him by the Vice -Chancellor, Prof. Adebayo Banire.

Banire , however,said the best way to predict the future is through strategic investment, innovation, and inclusion for a better nation.

Prof. Adebayo Banire, the Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) , commended the BOI Boss for his transformative ideas and collective gains in transforming the tech hub for economic development and growth.

Banire said the Dr Olusi would give one year mentorship programme to some students of the institution which is laudable .

He described Dr Olusi has a leading figure in the nigeria’s Industrial sector due its current transformative ideas ,and strategic policies .

Earlier , the Minister of Sport and Youth Development, Mr Ayo Olawande and the State Minister of Industry and Investment,Mr John Enoh, commended the university for the award of excellence given to Dr Olusi

The duo ,however, said the stride records of the BOI Boss in economic transformation will continue to speak volumes which is laudable .