Abuja: An expert on innovation, Mr. Daisi Omokungbe, has highlighted the potential of a coordinated Abuja innovation ecosystem to enhance collaboration among startups, government, investors, academia, and partners. Omokungbe, the Founder of StackLabs Innovation, emphasized that such collaboration could position the Federal Capital Territory as a leading innovation hub to drive digital economic growth.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Omokungbe made these remarks during the official launch of the Abuja Innovation Ecosystem Connect. Organized by StackLabs Innovation under the theme “Connecting People, Catalysing Innovation, Building Abuja’s Future,” the initiative aims to bridge gaps between innovators, policymakers, investors, and other stakeholders to accelerate technology-driven economic growth in Abuja.
Omokungbe pointed out that Abuja possesses significant innovation potential but lacks a coordinated ecosystem to connect emerging technologies with governance, enterprise, and societal development. The platform seeks to address this gap by fostering collaboration that is not limited to Lagos, thereby opening Nigeria to more investment opportunities and enhancing job creation, solutions, and government revenue.
StackLabs Innovation aims to leverage Abuja’s strategic advantage due to its proximity to regulators, policymakers, and development partners. This positioning is expected to influence policy, attract investments, and support the development of scalable technology solutions. Additionally, the initiative will provide monthly opportunities for stakeholders to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and address challenges.
The platform will focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, AI and data literacy, digital skills development, enterprise growth, research, consultancy, and human capital development. Omokungbe stressed the importance of overcoming collaboration challenges within Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem to build a thriving community where ideas, talent, policy, capital, and innovation converge.
Dr. Osasuyi Dirisu, Executive Director of the Policy Innovation Centre (PIC), underscored the necessity of collaboration for successful innovation ecosystems. Represented by Dr. Aderonke Komolafe, Dirisu noted that while Abuja is rich in talent, collaboration between stakeholders is crucial to transforming ideas into scalable solutions.
Dirisu also pointed out that many innovators lack access to policymakers, investors, and institutions necessary for growth. Platforms like the Abuja Innovation Ecosystem Connect are expected to bridge these gaps by providing opportunities for innovators to showcase their products, attract partnerships, and secure funding. She encouraged development partners to support innovation pipelines demonstrating accountability, integrity, and measurable social impact.