The Bayelsa Tech Hub Powered
by The Bank of Industry and managed by Vatebra Tech Hub is an innovative space
designed to support start-ups with the infrastructure, mentorship and access to
funding they require to grow their businesses and scale.
The facility was commissioned on
the 4th of November 2019 by the executive governor of Bayelsa State,
Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson. Also in attendance was the MD/CEO of the Bank of
Industry Mr. Olukayode Pitan, the Managing Director of Vatebra Limited Mr.
Kunle Akinniran, Deputy Managing Director of Vatebra Limited Mr. Mike Aigbe and
many other personalities who came from far and near to witness the commissioning.
The Bayelsa Tech hub is located on
the third and fourth floor of the Transparency Plaza, 5 oxbow lake road Yenagoa
and is equipped with high speed 4g internet service, stable power supply and
training facilities. Other services offered by the Hub include, technology and
entrepreneurial trainings, shared office spaces and business incubation programs.
The Hub is also equipped
with a Robotics Lab to foster education, training and research.
On the other hand, the BOI-UAT
incubation center also known as the Bank of industry - University of Africa,
Toru-Orua Incubation center which was also launched same day will serve as a
hub for trainings and technology driven activities for the students of the institution.
The BOI-UAT incubation center is equipped for Computer Based Testing. The
center will also cater for incubation programs, co-work spaces and trainings.
Together, these Hubs are expected to
produce innovative IT solutions to some of the challenges faced by Bayelsa
State and Nigeria as a whole; in areas of Oil and Gas, Environmental and
Sanitation Management, Health, Agriculture, Education and others.
Vatebra Tech Hub has the mandate to
create sustainability for the Hub. Sustainability entails running the
operations of the hub in the most efficient manner; whilst driving returns to
fund the day-today operations. Sustainability is critical for the Hub to meet
the desired objectives.
Vatebra is a 3-time winner of the
“Technology Company of the Year” Award by the Nigerian Technology Awards. With
our experience successfully running operations in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Sierra
Leone and Uganda; we commit to bringing our international expertise to the
successful running of the Bayelsa Tech Hub.
The Hubs shall offer its services at subsidized
prices, to enhance affordability. The co-working spaces shall have flexible
payment options which include hourly, daily and monthly payment plans. The ICT
and robotics training shall be offered to a wide range of clients including
primary and secondary students.
The Hubs shall partner with established
private and public sector institutions including multinational companies and
private individuals to organize programs and trainings aimed at deepening ICT
development in Bayelsa State.
We congratulate the people of Bayelsa
State for this great initiative by the Bank of Industry, the Bayelsa State
Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency and the Bayelsa State
Government; and we look forward to working with everyone to make Bayelsa State
the Silicon Valley of Nigeria; and a key player in the global map of ICT
development.
This partnership between BOI and VATEBRA to establish the Bayelsa Tech Hub and UAT Incubation Center is a significant step towards fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. It demonstrates a commitment to nurturing local talent and promoting economic growth. By providing a conducive environment for tech startups, this initiative will undoubtedly contribute to the development of Bayelsa's tech ecosystem and create opportunities for young entrepreneurs. Kudos to both organizations for investing in the future of Bayelsa's tech industry!
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