Fedpoffa Mgt., Offa Community Stakeholders Commend DG NBTI, Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji
The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), has officially inaugurated an Institutional-Based Technology Incubation Centre at the Federal Polytechnic Offa (FEDPOFFA), Kwara State. The inauguration ceremony, held on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at the Academic Board Room, Main Campus, brought together principal officers, innovators, dignitaries, and community stakeholders to witness what many described as a milestone for technological advancement in the community.
In his welcome address, the Rector, Engr. Dr. Kadiri Kamoru Oluwatoyin FNSE expressed deep appreciation to the NBTI Director General, Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, for the initiative and for selecting the Federal Polytechnic Offa as one of the hosting centres. He also acknowledged the support of individuals and groups who contributed to the success of the project, with special recognition to the Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Offa Branch, Engr. Fatai Yusuf, for his unwavering commitment.
“This gesture will never be taken for granted. We assure you that we will maximize the opportunities this centre provides, ensuring that our staff, students, and the Offa community benefit fully,” Dr. Kadiri assured.
Delivering his remarks, the Director General of NBTI, Dr. Raji, outlined the Board’s vision to help Nigerian companies innovate, empower youth, and create jobs. He encouraged participants to think creatively and conduct research with available resources, citing the example of transforming sweet potatoes into multiple products such as bread. He also emphasized integrating artificial intelligence into local innovations for national growth and development.
“Think beyond the box. Tailor your ideas towards solving societal problems,” he urged, adding that openness to innovation is key to progress.
Speaking further in an exclusive interview, the DG commended Dr. Kadiri’s visionary leadership and acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts in addressing the “Japa Syndrome” by creating opportunities for creatives and innovators. He encouraged innovators to keep dreaming, inspiring, and designing for future generations.
In his goodwill message, the NSE Offa Branch Chairman, Engr. Abdulfatai Kolawole, pledged to work with FEDPOFFA to make the best use of the new Centre.
In their separate goodwill messages, The National President, Offa Descendants Union, represented by the national Vice President and Chairman of Offa Descendants Union, home branch (ODU), Chief Lanre Shittu, who is also a member of the Governing Council, lauded the DG’s decision to host the Centre at FEDPOFFA, adding that Offa community will continue to provide necessary support to enhance sweet potato research into different confectioneries, which will attract foreign investors.
While the Olofa of Offa, HRM Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Okikiola Esuwoye II, Ajagungbade I, ably represented by the Ojomu of Offa, High Chief Joseph Bayo Akinola FNIM, accompanied by members of the Olofa-in-Council, lauded the Director General of National Board for Technology Incubation for picking Federal Polytechnic Offa as one of the beneficiary institutions. He said the community will utilise the opportunity granted to establish an incubation centre at the Federal Polytechnic Offa to further intensify efforts on potato research as advised by the Director General.
The event also featured lectures on the benefits, importance, and strategic plans for sweet potato research, as well as discussions on collaborations with relevant institutions.
A technical advisory committee for the Centre was inaugurated, with members including:
Olawale Kazeem Oriyomi (Applied Physics Department) – Chairman
Engr. Mrs. Komolafe Temidayo Florence (Civil Engineering Department)
Mr. Yakubu Nurudeen Yahaya (Building Technology Department)
Mr. Jubril Tajudeen Soliu (Banking and Finance Department)
Engr. Abdulfatai Kolawole Yusuf – Secretary
Engr. Mrs. Muinat Funmilayo Oyediran
Mrs. Ummuani Bola Agunbiade
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