…trains over 1,000 individuals

By Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti

The Federal Government, through its Technology Incubation Centre (TIC), has announced plans to commence the production of tricycle buses and cargoes in Ekiti State.

The Centre Manager, Mr Fasan Babalola, disclosed this during the 2024 Product Exhibition in Ado-Ekiti, held in collaboration with the state chapter of the National Association of Technology Incubation Entrepreneurs (NATIE).

According to Babalola, the production of the “Made in Ekiti Tricycle” (commonly referred to as Keke NAPEP or Keke Marwa) is projected for 2025, in partnership with Ekiti State Technical College, Ado-Ekiti.

“This should be a source of pride and priority for all Ekiti sons and daughters because, if achieved, it will provide significant employment opportunities both directly in production and indirectly through usage. This proposal needs financial and other forms of support to bring the Made in Ekiti Tricycle to fruition,” he stated.

Babalola also urged the Ekiti State Government and its residents to patronise locally made products, highlighting a lack of local support as one of the major challenges faced by the centre.

The Centre is also proposing the establishment of a functional laboratory to test and certify products from Ekiti for both local use and export.

Babalola noted that the TIC, in collaboration with its entrepreneurs, has trained over 1,000 individuals, including youths, women, youth corps members, and IT students, in various vocations, creating 126 job opportunities.

Currently, the Centre houses 22 resident entrepreneurs and 12 graduates, with 61 products spanning food, cosmetics, essential oils, animal feeds, pharmaceuticals, herbals, engineering, and building materials. Of these, 21 products have been certified by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) or NAFDAC.

Renowned journalist and former Senator Babafemi Ojudu, who served as the special guest of honour, commended TIC’s efforts to industrialise Ekiti.

He stressed the importance of involving both young and older residents in developing family cottage industries, similar to models in countries like China and Italy.

He emphasised the need to harness the talents of creative and industrious youths, helping them develop their skills and innovations.

The state chapter Chairman of NATIE, Mr Lawrence Abiodun, reiterated his members’ commitment to partnering with TIC and the state government to transform Ekiti into a hub of industrial and entrepreneurial excellence.

State Commissioner for Commerce, Trade, and Investment, Mrs Tayo Adeola, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to fostering an innovative and industrious future for Ekiti.

“It is our desire to ensure that Ekiti people shift their mindset from being predominantly civil service-oriented to embracing a business-oriented spirit,” she said.

In his welcome address, the Zonal Director of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), Mr Olufemi Olugbenga, described the exhibition as a testament to the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit thriving within Nigeria’s incubation ecosystem.

He noted that the federal government’s Technology Incubation Programme is designed to accelerate both local and regional economic development.

The event’s highlights included the conferment of awards on notable individuals, including Mrs Tayo Adeola and the National Vice President of NACCIMA, Chief Kola Akosile.