10/10/2026
HEARTFELT APPRECIATION | NBTI NEXTGEN INNOVATION CHALLENGE 2026 GRAND FINALE, LONDON
Distinguished Guests, Esteemed Leaders, Valued Partners, Investors, Innovators, and Dear Friends,
With profound gratitude and immense joy, I sincerely appreciate everyone who honoured us with their presence, support, and goodwill at the Grand Finale of the NBTI NextGen Innovation Challenge 2026, held yesterday, 9th October, at the Platinum Suite, ExCeL Exhibition Centre, London.
My special appreciation goes to Distinguished Senator Aminu Iya Abass, Chairman, Senate Committee on Science and Technology; the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN; the Permanent Secretary, Dr Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad; His Excellency, Ambassador Amin Dalhatu, Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK; and all distinguished Heads of Federal Agencies, government officials, diplomats, and representatives of the Presidency who graced this remarkable occasion.
I am particularly grateful to the distinguished Chief Executives and institutional leaders who took time out of their demanding schedules to identify with NBTI and the Nigerian innovation community.
My sincere appreciation goes to:
* Dr Kayode Opeifa, MD/CEO, Nigerian Railway Services;
* Dr Femi Adekanmbi, MD/CEO, Benin-Owena River Basin Authority;
* Dr Olushola Odusanya, Director-General/CEO, National Centre for Technology Management;
* Malam Issa Onilu, Director General/CEO, National Orientation Agency.
* Professor Olusegun Aina, Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board;
* Dr Olayiwola Agoro, Director, Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology;
* Hon. Tunde Doherty, Chairman, APC Diaspora, United Kingdom;
* Pharm. Chris Onuh Okpe;
* Mrs Folake Falase
* Engr. Patrick Obidoyin; and
* Dr Peter Edovia, MD/CEO, GenieNG.
* Representatives of MD/CEOs of Flutter wave and NITDA
Your presence and encouragement exemplify the importance of institutional collaboration, leadership solidarity, and a shared commitment to building an economy where ideas are transformed into products, services, businesses, jobs, and lasting value for society.
I also appreciate Luther Onyempka and Chioma Okeke, Special Assistants to the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, for their support and participation.
I deeply appreciate my beloved family, representatives from Oyo Town, the UKALD team led by Mr Tope Omojayogbe and Mr John Adelola, the Commonwealth team led by Mr Arif Zaman, our esteemed global investors and partners from the UK, Europe, the Commonwealth, and other parts of the world, and all our distinguished guests who travelled to celebrate Nigerian innovation.
To Professor Hari Mohan, our innovation advocates, technology entrepreneurs, and every investor and partner who believes in the immense potential of Nigerian ingenuity, thank you for helping to connect our innovators with global opportunities.
My heartfelt commendation goes to the innovators representing all 36 states of the Federation and the FCT, the NBTI Directors, Centre Managers, coordinating team, and every member of staff whose dedication and teamwork made this achievement possible.
Congratulations to all our award-winning innovators on their investment awards! Your success is a testament to Nigerian creativity, resilience, enterprise, and the limitless possibilities of our young people. May this milestone open greater doors to investment, commercialisation, international partnerships, and sustainable growth.
Above all, we express our profound gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his visionary leadership and for fostering an enabling environment for technology innovation, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment. We remain committed to translating this opportunity into tangible investments, job creation, and national economic development in furtherance of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Yesterday’s Grand Finale was more than an event; it was a celebration of Nigerian ingenuity and a powerful bridge between innovation and global investment. Your presence made it memorable, your support made it meaningful, and your partnership gives our vision greater strength.
May God Almighty bless you all abundantly, reward your kindness, and continue to bless Nigeria with peace, progress, and prosperity.
Thank you for believing in NBTI, investing in our innovators, and championing the future of Nigerian innovation.
With profound appreciation and highest regards.
Dr Kazeem Kolawole RAJI, PhD, FCIPM(UK), FPMA(UK)
Director-General/CEO
National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), Abuja.
