The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has identified a $250,000 (about N337million) innovation grant opportunity for Yobe State under its Innovation Challenge initiative, as part of efforts to promote youth innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development.
The proposed funding opportunity emerged during a technical meeting between the Secretary to the Yobe State Government (SSG), Dr. Mohammed Goje, and a UNDP delegation led by the Head of its Northeast Sub-office, Mr Charles Mback, in Damaturu.
The meeting followed a high-level engagement in Abuja last week between Goje, acting on the directive of Governor Mai Mala Buni, and the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms Elsie G. Attafuah.
The discussions focused on strengthening the partnership between the state government and the development agency, particularly in areas of sustainable recovery, private-sector investment, innovation, youth empowerment and inclusive economic growth.
A major component of the proposed collaboration is the establishment of a University Innovation Pod (UniPod) at Yobe State University, Damaturu.
The facility is expected to serve as a platform for digital skills development, applied research, entrepreneurship and technology-driven solutions to local development challenges.
It is also expected to connect young people in the state with emerging technologies, business opportunities and innovation networks to support the transition towards a diversified, knowledge-based economy.
The UNDP delegation also briefed the state government on the implementation of its Durable Solutions Programme and ongoing interventions in education, healthcare and other priority sectors.
Speaking at the meeting, Goje reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to providing the institutional coordination and technical support required to advance the proposed initiatives, subject to applicable programme requirements.
He said the administration was focused on translating the gains recorded in infrastructure, education, healthcare, livelihoods and institutional development into sustainable economic opportunities.
The SSG stressed the need for development partnerships to move beyond discussions to clearly defined projects capable of delivering measurable benefits, particularly to young people, women and vulnerable groups.
The proposed $250,000 innovation grant opportunity and UniPod initiative form part of renewed efforts to expand cooperation between Yobe State and the UNDP beyond humanitarian interventions to longer-term recovery and economic development.
The partnership is expected to leverage international expertise, development financing and innovation to strengthen resilience and create opportunities for sustainable growth in the state.
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