President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of Mr. Kazeem Raji as the Director-General of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) reflects a well-deserved recognition of his exceptional qualifications, remarkable professional achievements, and unwavering dedication to Nigeria’s progress. As a distinguished engineer, technocrat, and advocate for lifelong learning, Mr. Raji is uniquely positioned to lead NBTI into a transformative era of innovation and economic growth.
Mr. Raji’s vision and extensive expertise position him as the ideal leader to harness Nigeria’s untapped technological potential. Under his guidance, NBTI can address critical challenges such as brain drain, foster an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship, and drive sustainable economic transformation.
A Visionary Agenda for National Transformation
1. Leveraging International Collaboration
As Director-General, you have the opportunity to position Nigeria as a global technology leader by fostering international partnerships. Drawing inspiration from nations such as Singapore, India, and Malaysia, NBTI can prioritize technology incubation and global collaboration to drive economic progress. Strategic partnerships with international institutions, tech hubs, and universities will provide Nigerian innovators access to cutting-edge tools, knowledge, and resources.
2. Engaging the African Diaspora for Brain Gain
Nigeria faces a critical challenge with talent loss due to brain drain. Your leadership can turn this trend into an opportunity by engaging the Nigerian diaspora. The expertise and experiences of Nigerians thriving abroad are invaluable assets for national development. Initiatives such as mentorship programs, innovation exchanges, and remote collaboration hubs can create platforms for the diaspora to contribute to Nigeria’s growth.
We are committed to supporting your vision at ÒGÚN Security Research and Strategic Consulting (OSRS). We stand ready to collaborate with NBTI to implement brain gain programs, enable knowledge transfer, and strengthen connections between Nigerians at home and abroad.
3. Advancing Nigeria in AI and Cybersecurity
In the era of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, it is imperative for Africa to take an active role. NBTI, under your leadership, can position Nigeria as a leader in developing AI-driven solutions to address local challenges. By incubating startups in areas such as agritech, fintech, and cybersecurity, NBTI can drive innovation that not only transforms Nigeria’s economy but also places the nation on the global technology map.
4. Establishing Technology as an Economic Pillar
Technology serves as a cornerstone for economic resilience and recovery. By prioritising innovations in renewable energy, digital finance, and healthcare technology, NBTI can address pressing issues such as unemployment, food insecurity, and power shortages. These advancements will create jobs, improve livelihoods, and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
A Commitment to Excellence
Your appointment as Director-General of NBTI marks the beginning of a transformative chapter for Nigeria. Your proven leadership and ability to translate visionary ideas into tangible actions inspire confidence and optimism. With you at the helm, Nigerians can trust that innovation will flourish and NBTI will become a driving force in national development.
At OSRS, we pledge our full support for your mission. Together, we can empower Nigeria’s innovators, attract global recognition, and establish Nigeria as a hub of technological excellence.
Congratulations once again on this historic appointment. Your leadership will undoubtedly leave an enduring legacy on Nigeria’s technological and economic landscape.
Dr. Oludare Ogunlana
Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, OSRS
